Blessed Henryk Hlebowicz

Biography

Blessed Henryk Hlebowicz, also known as Father Henryk Hlebowicz, was a Polish Catholic priest and martyr in the diocese of Wloclawek. He was born on June 1, 1904, in Grodno, which was then a part of the Hrodzyenskaya voblasts’ in Belarus.

Father Hlebowicz devoted his life to the service of God and his people. He was ordained a priest and faithfully served in various parishes within the diocese of Wloclawek. Known for his kindness, devotion, and compassion, Father Hlebowicz was deeply loved and respected by the community he served.

During the turbulent times of World War II, Father Hlebowicz's faith and dedication were tested even more intensely. As the war brought about immense suffering and Nazi atrocities, Father Hlebowicz fearlessly stood up against the oppressors. He courageously spoke against the injustice and crimes committed by the Nazi regime, always remaining a true shepherd to his flock.

On November 9, 1941, in the town of Borisov (Borysów), located in the Minskaya voblasts‚Äô in Belarus, Father Hlebowicz was captured by the Nazis for his unwavering stand against their tyranny. Torn away from his parish and the people he faithfully served, he was brutally executed. He was shot, martyred for his faith and his defiance against the forces of evil.

Father Hlebowicz's martyrdom did not go unnoticed. Recognizing his heroic sacrifice and steadfast faith, Pope John Paul II decreed his martyrdom on March 26, 1999. Father Hlebowicz was beatified by the same Pope on June 13, 1999, alongside 107 other martyrs of World War II.

Blessed Henryk Hlebowicz's beatification serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to his faith and his selfless dedication to the oppressed. His life and martyrdom continue to inspire Catholics around the world, reminding them of the importance of standing up for justice and defending their beliefs even in the face of extreme adversity. On November 9th and June 12th, his feast days are celebrated along with the 108 Martyrs of World War II, as a reminder of their collective sacrifice and the triumph of their faith over the darkest forces.