Eucharist and the courage to speak the truth

In October 1984 Father (now Blessed) Jerzy Popiełuszko was murdered by State agents of the communist regime in Poland some time between his abduction on 19 October and the discovery of his body on 30 October. His only 'crime' was to preach the Gospel, defend human dignity and speak out against the injustices of the communist regime.  His celebration of Mass in Warsaw drew thousands of people seeking strength and solace in the dark years of oppression.  He constantly preached that Christians must ‘overcome evil with good’ (Romans 12:21) - a phrase that became the motto of his ministry. Fr Jerzy imitated the sacrificial love of Christ in his own life. His readiness to suffer harassment, threats and ultimately death rather than abandon the truth reflects a deep love for Jesus Christ summed up in the celebration of the Eucharist.

Blessed Popiełuszko suffered the same fate as that of Saint Oscar Romero four years previously in El Salvador [see The grain of wheat: the martyrdom of St Oscar Romero].  They were murdered out of hatred for the faith.  They understood that the celebration of the Eucharist and the adoration of Christ must lead to courageous witness in public life to truth, justice and human dignity in public life.