Born on January 17, 1842 in Korczyna, Poland,

from childhood he was surrounded by a deep religious atmosphere. He was ordained a priest in 1864. After his studies in Rome, he taught in the seminary in Przemysl, and then was a professor of the Jagellonian University in Krakow for 22 years.  In his concern for the most needy and the spreading of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Father Pelczar founded the Congregation of the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1894. He himself formed the first members according to the needs of that time. In the spirituality of the Congregation, his own desires and concerns were reflected: the glory of God in the Mystery of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, love of Mary, the Immaculate Virgin and Queen of Poland, charity towards the sick and abandoned, concern for servant girls in need of financial and moral help, and the religious training of children and youth.  In 1899, he became an auxiliary bishop and, in 1900, local Ordinary of the Diocese of Przemysl. He was beatified on June 2, 1991, in Rzeszow, Poland and canonized on May 18, 2003, in Rome by Pope John Paul II.  The relics of Saint Joseph Sebastian rest in the chapel of the Cathedral Church in Przemysl.  In Krakow, St Joseph Sebastian is venerated in a special way in the church of the Sacred Heart Sisters where there is a chapel dedicated to him.

Prayer to obtain graces through the intercession

of St. Joseph Sebastian: 

Almighty, Eternal God, One Holy Trinity, I adore you and give you thanks for the graces you have bestowed upon Saint Joseph Sebastian, whom you have inspired with fervent devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and to the Immaculate Virgin Mary.  Following His example, may I too love the Divine Heart and may this Heart become a source of holiness and consolation for me.  Hear my prayer, through the intercession of Saint Joseph Sebastian, and grant me the grace of ... which I ask of you.  Amen.

Saint Joseph Sebastian, Pray for us.