Blessed Antoni Julian Nowowiejski
Also known as
- Antonio Giuliano Nowowiejski
- 28 May
- 12 June as one of the 108 Polish Martyrs of World War II
Profile
Antoni studied at the seminary of Plock, Poland, and was ordained a priest on 10 July 1881 in Plock. Professor and rector of the Plock seminary. Vicar-General of Plock in 1902. Bishop of Plock on 12 June 1908. Titular Archbishop of Silyum on 25 November 1930. Known for his deep spiritual and prayer life, he was an historian, active pastor of his people, and supported religious and Bible study groups.
In his 80’s, Bishop Antoni was imprisoned with a a group of his priests during the Nazi occupation of Poland in World War II. He was taken from prison to prison, and finally ended in the Dzialdowo concentration camp. As he was leader among the prisoners, especially the imprisoned clergy, he was tortured repeatedly, and the guards worked hard to humiliate him and break his spirit; Bishop Antoni responded by blessing them. Martyr.
Born
- 11 February 1858 in Lubien, Poland
- died of starvation and abuse on 28 May 1941 at Dzialdowo death camp, occupied Poland
- buried in an unmarked grave somewhere near the camp
- 26 March 1999 by Pope John Paul II (decree of martyrdom)
Readings
Christ gave his life for his sheep; he also demands the same of his deputies – the shepherds. Let us be exemplified by those martyrs of the first centuries, who in the most difficult moments forgot about themselves, asked only one thing, what could they do for God. – Blessed Antoni Julian Nowowiejski
MLA Citation
- “Blessed Antoni Julian Nowowiejski“. CatholicSaints.Info. 13 August 2022. Web. 6 May 2024. <>