Blessed Józef Puchala

Biography

Blessed Józef Puchala, also known as Achilles Puchala, Brother Achilles, and Father Achilles, was born on 18 March 1911 in Kosina, Podkarpackie, Poland. He was baptized on the day of his birth and later embarked on a path of religious vocation.

In 1924, Blessed Józef entered the minor seminary in Lviv, which is now located in modern-day Ukraine. At the seminary, he commenced his journey as a Franciscan Friar Minor Conventual and took the name Achilles. On 22 May 1932, he made his solemn vows to fully dedicate his life to his faith.

Continuing his religious calling, Blessed Józef was ordained as a priest on 5 July 1936. He then served in various Franciscan convents in Grodno and Iwieniec in Poland, fulfilling his duties and ministering to the faithful.

In the turbulent times of World War II, when many priests were arrested or had fled due to the persecutions and occupation by the Gestapo, Blessed Józef moved into parish ministry in Pierszaje, Poland. He selflessly offered his services to help fill the gap left by the absence of priests. His deep commitment to his pastoral duties during this challenging period exemplified his unwavering dedication to his faith and the Catholic community.

Sadly, Blessed Józef's bravery and devotion led to his arrest by the Gestapo. He endured torment and torture but remained steadfast in his faith. On 19 July 1943, he was brutally murdered when Nazi forces set fire to a barn outside Borovikovshchina (also known as Borowikowszczyzna) in Minskaya voblasts', Belarus. His life was unjustly taken, becoming a martyr for his unwavering commitment to his beliefs.

After his death, local Catholics retrieved Blessed Józef's remains and laid them to rest in the parish church in Pierszaje, Poland. Recognizing his martyrdom and the profound impact he had on those around him, Pope John Paul II declared him venerable on 26 March 1999, issuing a decree acknowledging his martyrdom. Subsequently, on 13 June 1999, Pope John Paul II beatified him, acknowledging Blessed Józef's exceptional holiness and the sacrifices he made for the Catholic faith.

Blessed Józef Puchala's feast day is celebrated on 19 July, the day he tragically lost his life. Additionally, he shares a feast day of 12 June as one of the 108 Martyrs of World War II.

Despite the lack of specific information about his representation, Blessed Józef Puchala's life story and courageous actions serve as an enduring inspiration to Catholics and individuals around the world, reminding us of the power of faith and the sacrifices made by those who stand firmly in their beliefs.