Glory Be to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus!

St. Joseph Sebastian Pelczar was born on January 17, 1842 in Korczyna, near Krosno, Poland.  Raised in an atmosphere of religious piety, he entered the Przemysl diocesian Seninary and was ordained a priest on July 17, 1864. 

Parents:  Wojciech and Marianna Pelczar

Following the completion of studies in Rome, he became a professor of Pastoral Theology and Canon Law at the Seminary in Przemysl.  Later during the years 1877-1899, he served as a Professor and Rector of Krakow's Jagellonian Univeristy. 

In his concern for the most needy and for the spread of the Kindgdom of the Divine Heart in the world, he founded the Congregation of the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1894 in Krakow.  He was an ardent devotee of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Heart of Jesus and the Mother of God, which was expressed through his prolific literary and homiletic work.

Motherhouse

Krakow, Poland

Coat of Arms

 of Bishop Pelczar

In 1899 he became the Auxillary Bishop of the Diocese of Przemysl, and was named its Ordinary in 1900.  As a zealous shepherd, he was solictious for the holiness of his diocese.  He was a man of prayer from which he drew the inspiration and strength for apostolic work.  The poor and sick was always the object of his special care.  After a life filled with labor, he died in the odor of sancitity in Przemysl on March 28, 1924.

The Holy Father, John Paul II beatified him on June 2, 1991 in Rzeszow, Poland and on May 18, 2003 in Rome proclaimed him a Saint of the Universial Church.

Novena 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 Jsoeph Sebastian Pelczar, and grant me the grace of...which I ask of you.  Amen