Venerable Paul Smolikowski, C.R. was born in Russia in 1849 to Polish parents and at age eighteen joined the new Congregation of Resurrection in Rome.
Father Paul Smolikowski, a man who followed the psalmist’s command to make music to God while you live! (Psalm 104:43)
Father Paul Smolikowski, C.R. (circa 1910)
He was an enthusiastic and joyful member of the CRs and began his ministry teaching at a residential middle school run by the CRs in Bulgaria, and later was called to Kiev, Ukraine to do similar work. Father Paul was gifted with an eager and loving spirit that captivated young people. He was committed to bringing back to the Roman Catholic Church those who had that separated from it in the Orthodox Church. He loved teaching the children of the “Uniates,” those families who had left the orthodox Church to rejoin the Catholic church.
Although Father Paul was a Roman Catholic of the Latin rite he had been, at his request, ordained a priest of the Eastern Rite of the Catholic Church because he felt called to work for the union of the Eastern break-away churches and the Roman Catholic Church.
He considered his life as a composition dedicated to God and lived his life joyfully attending to his duties. That was his calling. He heard that call every time the bell rang to announce a gathering whether for prayer or community meals or the beginning of another another class. It was the “Vox Dei:” The “Voice of God” ringing that regulated his life and he always heard the sound of this music.
In his old age, when he knew that his life on earth was coming to an end, he urned to a brother Resurrectionist and said, “La musica de mi vida esta finita”
As we celebrate the centenary of his birth into eternal life, we Resurrectionists ask that you pray for the reunion o f the Orthodox with the Roman Catholic Church.
Intercessory Prayer to Venerable Paul Smolikowski, C.R.
Gracious Father, listen to the prayers we offer you in thanksgiving for the kindness and joy that shone through the life of Father Paul Smolikowski.
As a member of the Congregation of the Resurrection, Father Paul humbly showed us all the way to heartfelt conversion. He especially touched the lives of young people with the challenge to live for Our Lord Jesus as he ministeredto the eastern rite Catholics.
Through his intercession I ask … (enter your petition here). I pray also for the conversion of sinners and the rebirth of society in the image of the Risen Christ Who lives and reigns with you forever. Amen.! Alleluia!
Venerable Paul Smolikowski pray for us!