Blessed Józef Wojciech Guz

Biography

Blessed Józef Wojciech Guz, also known as Innocent or Innocenty, was born on 8 March 1890 in Lwów, Poland (modern L‚Äôviv, Ukraine). After completing high school, Józef initially aspired to join the Jesuits but was unfortunately turned down. Undeterred, he persevered in his vocation and, on 25 August 1908, joined the Franciscans, taking the name Innocenty.

Innocenty began his studies in philosophy and theology in Krakow, Poland, where he demonstrated great intellectual prowess and deep spiritual commitment. His academic journey culminated in his ordination as a priest on 2 June 1914. For several years, he served as a dedicated parish priest in various cities and had the opportunity to collaborate with the renowned Saint Maximilian Kolbe.

In 1933, Innocenty went on to become the confessor to a Franciscan monastery at Niepokalanów, Poland, a position he held until 1936. During this time, he also served as the vice-master of clerics and a singing teacher in the minor seminary, where he nurtured the spiritual growth of young men preparing for priesthood.

Later, Innocenty became the parish priest in Grodno, Poland. However, his life took a tragic turn when he was imprisoned by invading Russian troops on 21 March 1940. He found himself incarcerated due to his identity as a Polish priest during a turbulent period of war and political unrest. Miraculously, Innocenty managed to escape this captivity.

Unfortunately, his freedom was short-lived as he was subsequently captured by invading German troops. He endured a harrowing journey through several prisons, where he was unjustly persecuted simply for his faith and vocation as a priest. Eventually, Innocenty was transferred to the concentration camp at Sachsenhausen, where he faced unimaginable suffering.

In Sachsenhausen, Innocenty was subjected to severe beatings and forced labor. Even when hampered by a broken leg, he was relentlessly mistreated, culminating in a gruesome act of violence that led to his martyrdom. Traumatically, a charged fire hose was forcefully stuffed down his throat, causing fatal injuries. On 6 June 1940, Innocenty Guz breathed his last in the prison camp at Sachsenhausen-Oranienburg, Oberhavel, Germany.

His life and death exemplified unwavering faith, courage, and dedication to his vocation, painted against the backdrop of the tumultuous World War II era. Recognizing his sacrifice and virtuous life, Pope John Paul II beatified Józef Wojciech Guz on 13 June 1999, in Warsaw, Poland. He is honored as one of the 108 Polish Martyrs of World War II.

Blessed Innocenty's remarkable story continues to inspire and serve as a testament to the resilience and steadfastness of faith in the face of adversity.