Blessed Fidelis Jerome Chojnacki

Biography

Blessed Fidelis Jerome Chojnacki, also known as Fedele Chijnacki, Jerome Spurinska, and Hieronim Chojnacki, was born on 1 November 1906 in Lodz, Poland as Jerome Spurinska. He was the youngest of six children born to Waclaw and Leokadia Spurinska, and he was raised in a pious and devout Catholic family.

Fidelis received his education in public schools and later attended a military academy. Following his studies, he worked for a year at Szczuczyn Mowogrodzki in the Institute of Social Insurance. Subsequently, Fidelis began working at the Central Post Office in Warsaw, Poland. It was during this time that he became a dedicated member and administrator of Catholic Action, actively working against alcohol abuse and serving the needs of recovering alcoholics in his region.

Fidelis' deep faith and desire for a life of deeper devotion led him to join the Secular Franciscan Order at the Capuchin church in Warsaw. He developed a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and focused on spreading her message of love and compassion. His charitable work extended beyond his spiritual devotion, as he also founded a Club for Intellectual Collaboration for seminarians, fostering a spirit of collaboration and growth in knowledge among his fellow students.

Fidelis' dedication to helping alcoholics persisted, and he continued his work with them while collaborating with a group of Franciscans. In 1937, he pursued theological studies in Lublin, Poland, but his studies were abruptly interrupted by the German invasion of Poland in September 1939. Despite the tumultuous circumstances, Fidelis remained steadfast in his faith.

On 25 January 1940, Fidelis was arrested for his unwavering commitment to his Catholic faith. He was held captive in the "Fortress of Lublin" until 18 June 1940 when he was transferred to the infamous Dachau concentration camp. Tattooed with his prisoner number and subjected to unimaginable abuse, Fidelis endured immense suffering alongside other priests and religious prisoners.

The conditions at the camp took a toll on Fidelis' spirit, and he fell into a deep depression. The abuse, starvation, and excessive labor that he endured led to the development of a severe heart condition. On 9 July 1942, Fidelis succumbed to the relentless abuse and died at the Dachau concentration camp. His body was sadly burned in the camp's crematorium ovens.

Before Fidelis' tragic death, he left his fellow prisoners with words of hope and faith, proclaiming, "Praised be Jesus Christ; we'll see each other in heaven." These words serve as a testament to his unwavering trust in God's mercy and his strong desire to comfort and inspire others, even in the darkest of circumstances.

Recognizing his martyrdom and the heroic virtue of his life, Pope John Paul II declared Fidelis Jerome Chojnacki venerable on 26 March 1999. Soon after, on 13 June of the same year, Pope John Paul II beatified him, honoring his courageous witness to the faith and commitment to the service of others.

Blessed Fidelis Jerome Chojnacki's feast days are celebrated on 9 July and 12 June as one of the 108 Martyrs of World War Two. His life and martyrdom serve as a profound example of selfless love, unwavering faith, and enduring hope in the face of persecution and immense suffering.