Archbishop Edward Kisiel: The “Primary Catechist” of the Diocese
Archbishop Edward Kisiel: The “Primary Catechist” of the Diocese

Summary/Abstract: The late Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Białystok, Edward Kisiel, was born in Jundziłło in 1918. Through his pastoral activity, he established catechesis within the archdiocese and, consequently, was closely connected with the catechists and the catechetical milieu of the local Church. Although 25 years have passed since Archbishop Kisiel’s death, his memory is still very much alive among catechists and his students and pupils. As a priest because of God’s providence and the express decision of Archbishop Romuald Jałbrzykowski and his successors to the episcopal seat in Białystok; as bishop named by Pope Paul VI; and as an archbishop appointed by John Paul II, Archbishop Edward Kisiel dedicated his entire life to fervently ensuring that he preached the Gospel as the Good News about Jesus Christ. He expressed this mission in his episcopal motto “Evangelizare misit me [Sent to preach the Gospel].” The following article discusses the history of catechesis in Białystok and provides an overview of the years that Fr. Edward Kisiel served pastorally, initially as bishop and then as the first metropolitan archbishop of Białystok. From the moment that he received his episcopal consecration and took possession of the diocese, the Church entrusted him with the task to lead, direct, and properly coordinate the provision of catechesis within his diocese; to foster and sustain sincere catechetical fervor; and to ensure that a living and fruitful faith was cultivated in the people entrusted to his care.

• Details
• Contents