Blessed Ladislaus Findysz

Biography

Blessed Jan Adalbert Balicki, also known as John Balicki and Giovanni Balicki, was born on 25 January 1869 in Staromiescie, Poland. He came from a poor but deeply religious family and was raised with a love for Polish culture. Jan attended twelve years of school in Rzeszow, Poland, where he was fortunate to have teachers who instilled in him a passion for his heritage.

In September 1888, Jan entered the seminary at Przemysl, Poland, to pursue his calling to the priesthood. His dedication and intellectual prowess stood out, and he was ordained on 20 July 1892. After his ordination, Jan served as an assistant pastor in Polna, Poland, where he quickly gained recognition for his exceptional preaching skills and his devotion to prayer.

Driven by his thirst for knowledge and spiritual growth, Jan pursued further studies at the renowned Pontifical Gregorian University from 1893 to 1897. During his time there, he focused on studying the works of Saint Thomas Aquinas, immersing himself in prayer and frequently visiting the shrines of the saints. It was during this period that he experienced a profound revelation, coming to believe that science could also lead an individual to a deeper understanding of God.

In 1897, Jan was appointed as a professor of dogmatic theology at the seminary in Przemysl, where he made a significant impact on his students. His commitment to their spiritual formation was unwavering, and he meticulously studied reports and prayed for guidance before presenting candidates to the bishop. For three years, he served as the prefect of studies before reluctantly assuming the role of vice-rector in 1927 and eventually becoming the rector in 1928.

Throughout his career, Jan Balicki dedicated himself to the wellbeing and development of priests, recognizing the crucial role they played in the Catholic Church. He was known to be a trusted spiritual director, particularly to Blessed Ladislaus Findysz. Jan's profound discernment and his devotion to prayer allowed him to provide invaluable guidance to those who sought his counsel.

In 1934, Jan's declining health forced him to resign from his positions at the seminary. However, he chose to remain living there, faithfully hearing confessions and being a beloved spiritual director to the students. During World War II, when Przemysl was divided between the warring German and Soviet forces, Father Jan stayed in the Soviet sector, hoping to maintain the operations of the seminary. Eventually, he had to move to the bishop's residence, where he continued his ministry even after the war.

Towards the end of his life, Jan Balicki's health deteriorated rapidly as tuberculosis spread throughout his body. Despite his suffering, he continued to carry out his priestly duties, known for his gentle and discerning approach to those who sought reconciliation in the confessional. Jan's deep devotion to prayer allowed him to glimpse the heart of God and sustain him during his challenging physical condition.

In addition to his pastoral work, Father Jan wrote a notable study on mystical prayer that classified four degrees: the prayer of quiet, the prayer of simple union, ecstatic union, and perfect union. He also outlined a seven-step progression in the spiritual life, emphasizing the importance of a serious approach to life, self-critique, confidence in prayer, joy in the spirit, love for suffering, praise for divine mercy, and continuous self-amendment.

Blessed Jan Adalbert Balicki, a beacon of faith and scholarship, died on 15 March 1948 in Przemysl, Poland, succumbing to pneumonia and tuberculosis. Recognizing his exemplary life and holiness, Pope John Paul II declared the heroic virtues of Father Jan on 19 December 1994. On 18 August 2002, the same pope beatified him during a ceremony in Krakow, Poland, honoring his unwavering commitment to the priesthood and his significant contributions to the spiritual formation of others.