October 30, 2012. (Romereports.com) During the 1970's when the communist regime was in full swing in Poland, a priest decided to speak out for freedom, democracy and human rights. He became a sort of spiritual director for many workers and eventually became one of the leaders of a workers union called 'Solidarity.' He was so outspoken that his homilies were even transmitted on a radio station that opposed the communist regime. His name was Jerzy Popieluszko.


On October 19th 1984, he was kidnapped by three officials of the country's Ministry Department. He was killed and his lifeless body was later found in a lake. Now, 28 years later his life and work was honored through a documentary. It tells the story of the Polish priest who was beatified by Benedict XVI in 2010. His family of course, traveled to Rome to see the documentary.

TERESA POPIELUSZKO
Sister of Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko
“I remember the last words my brother said at our home back in September 1984. He said 'all this is done by faith and not by anything else. Because with faith we can find joy and truth.'  I remember him well. Nothing could disturb his peace of mind because he found strength in faith, and that strength helped him launch his message of love and peace.”

JÓZEF POPIELUSZKO
Sister of Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko
“He learned everything from our mother. Patience, faith, closeness with siblings and neighbors. Like our mother, he never used the force of the hand to get his point across, he only used words.”

The documentary is titled 'Messenger of Truth.' It includes actual footage of the Polish priest. It will premiere in the U.S in November. Translations for other international showings are also in the works. Even so, the director says his life has already had an international impact.

TONY HAINES
Director, 'Messenger of Truth'
“When was I looking at this wonderful woman Aung San Suu Kyi from Burma, he was the same kind of guy wasn't he? He just stood up and she stayed in house arrest for about five years. He stood up and said exactly the same message, he was being interviewed by Anne Curry on CNN, she was saying exactly the same words as Father Popiełuszko. I thought well, I've done it. They are saying the same thing-they are repeating it over and over again, maybe freedom can happen any place.”

GARY CHARTRAND
Executive Producer, 'Messenger of Truth'
“The way he lived his life with a strong faith. As a priest, the strong conviction that he had about proclaiming the truth. His message of human rights, human dignities and freedom. And the courage to speak out in a very dangerous time.”

John Paul II and Benedict XVI described him as a model for priests. In fact his beatification on June 6, 2010 in Warsaw, Poland was attended by roughly 150,000 people including 1600  priests, about 100 bishops.


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