Jerzy Popieluszko ― Truth Versus Totalitarianism

“‘Listen,” I prayed, “Fr. Jerzy, today is September 14, your birthday, so if you are supposed to do something, this is the day!” So prayed the author of this book, and as soon as he had left the hospital room, the dying man in a vegetative state opened his eyes and asked his wife what had happened. A few days later the medical team, after many tests, observed that the widespread cancer had completely disappeared. The doctors were astounded.

This is the miracle which Fr. Bernard Brien was the instrument for in asking the intercession of Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko. It moved him to write this book to make the dazzling figure of Father Popieluszko, priest and martyr, better known.

Father Brien, the principal witness of the miracle by Jerzy Popieluszko in a French hospital, devotes himself in this book to an intimate portrait of this great figure who changed his life, and that of countless others. The revered former chaplain of the Polish labor union, Solidarity, murdered at the age of 37 in 1984 by the Communist security forces of the regime, the young Polish parish priest embodied a whole nation’s resistance to Communism. His ardent commitment to the truth, his courage and his death as a martyr shook the totalitarian government, and inspired the Polish nation to fearlessly stand up for freedom.

Today this call to spiritual resistance, deeply rooted in the Gospel, retains all of its contemporary relevance and urgency. This moving story of the life of a brave young modern priest, spiritual leader and martyr, told by a priest who has personally experienced the power of the witness and intercession of Blessed Jerzy, will inspire many to this call to stand up for Christ, his Gospel and freedom.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” -Matthew 5:10