Bishop Piotr Turzyński, Spiritual Guardian of Poles Living Abroad, Has Passed Away
Bishop Piotr TURZYŃSKI, delegate of the Polish Episcopal Conference for the Pastoral Care of Polish Emigration, passed away on the afternoon of 14 April 2025 due to a serious illness, as confirmed by the Bishop of Radom.
At just 60 years old, Bishop Piotr was a dedicated figure in the spiritual guidance of Poles living outside their homeland. His role as auxiliary bishop of the Radom diocese made the news of his passing particularly poignant, with Bishop Marek Solarczyk being the first to share the sombre announcement.
Immediately after this news, social media was flooded with memories of the late bishop, who was remembered by many as a kind and approachable priest.
In the wake of this news, social media erupted with heartfelt tributes and memories of the bishop, who was widely remembered for his kindness and accessibility. Grzegorz Seweryn reflected, ‘Thank God for this shepherd who cared about the issues facing the Polish community around the globe. We last met on October 10, and with a smile, he assured me, “It will be good there in London. Just talk and get along. I know it will be fine, and if anything happens, I’m ready to help.” I pray that the words of the late Bishop Piotr Turzyński resonate not only in London but wherever our compatriots find themselves.’
Marek Telus, an MP, stated, ‘He left an indelible mark on our hearts – not just through his service, wisdom, and prayers, but through his very presence. He stood by us in discussions filled with concern for the Church, our families, and our beloved homeland. Yet he was equally present in moments of joy, sharing in smiles, laughter, and even volleyball games. He truly knew how to connect with us.’
One of the priests from the Radom diocese remembered him, saying, ‘He was a priest who helped, supported, and advised. Beyond his understanding, wisdom, and intelligence, he possessed an incredible sense of humour and a unique ability to relate to everyone.’
Bishop Piotr Turzyński was born on 28 September 1964 in Radom to Julian and Helena (née Rzadkowska). He grew up with two siblings and was baptized in the Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Glinice, Radom. From a young age, he served as an altar boy in Borki, in the parish of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus. Then in the parish of Our Lady of Mercy on Struga Street and since the establishment of the new parish in the Academic Housing Estate at the church of St. Queen Jadwiga.
He attended the Tytus Chałubiński Secondary School No. 4 in Radom, excelling in mathematics and physics, and graduated in 1982. During his time in school, he became an animator in the Light-Life Movement.
Following graduation, he enrolled at the Higher Theological Seminary in Sandomierz. On 28 May 1988, he was ordained as a priest at the Radom co-cathedral, under the auspices of Bishop Edward Materski. He later achieved a master’s degree in theology from the esteemed Catholic University of Lublin, with a thesis that examined the ‘Elements of the Philosophical Anthropology of Fr. Józef Tischner,’ guided by the mentorship of Fr. Prof. Stanisław Kowalczyk.
Following his ordination, Fr. Turzyński took on the role of curate at the Mother of the Redeemer parish in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, where he dedicated a year to nurturing the spiritual lives of his community. His responsibilities included leading an altar server group, two scholas and a youth oasis group, and overseeing a pastoral care programme for teachers.
He organized annual retreats for the Light-Life Movement for young people and families throughout his time abroad and upon his return to Poland.
In 1989, he expanded his academic pursuits by studying patristics at the Augustinianum Patristic Institute in Rome. This distinguished institution, affiliated with the Pontifical , is recognized as the sole university in Europe dedicated to specialized studies in the theology of the early Christian centuries.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in theology and patristic studies in 1992, he embarked on doctoral studies at the prestigious Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Throughout his doctoral journey, he expanded his academic horizons by attending lectures at the Pontifical Oriental Institute, conducting research at the Library of Congress in the United States, and taking a French course at the Institut Catholique in Paris.
His doctoral thesis, entitled ‘Canticum novum in the theology of Saint Augustine: A study on the Commentary on the Psalms,’ was written under the guidance of Prof. Fr. Gilles Pelland. He successfully defended his work in 1995 at the Pontifical Gregorian University, earning the esteemed degree of Doctor of Theology.
Upon returning to Poland, he took on the role of spiritual father at the Higher Theological Seminary in Radom, a position he held until 2006, when he was appointed vice-rector of the same institution. At the Radom seminary, he also served as a lecturer in patrology, introduction to theology, and the theology of spirituality. In 2013, he became an assistant professor at the Faculty of Theology of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin.
In June 2014, he achieved the academic title of habilitated doctor based on his significant scholarly contributions, including a book titled ‘Beauty in the Theology of St. Augustine: An Attempt at Systematising Augustinian Theological Aesthetics,’ along with a postdoctoral thesis completed at Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw.
On 17 January 2015, Pope Francis appointed him auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Radom with the titular see of Usula, and he was ordained as a bishop on 28 February 2015 in the Cathedral of the Protection of the Holy Virgin Mary in Radom, adopting the episcopal motto ‘Ecclesia Mater – Mater Ecclesiae’ (Church Mother – Mother of the Church).
Bishop Piotr Turzyński (1964-2025). Photo: Fr. S. Piekielnik / www.diecezja.radom.pl
Within the Polish Episcopal Conference, he held significant roles as the delegate for the Pastoral Care of Polish Emigration and the delegate for the Pastoral Care of Teachers. His influence extended to being a member of the Permanent Council of the Polish Episcopal Conference, the Social Affairs Council, the Commission for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Commission for the Clergy, and the Joint Commission of Representatives of the Polish Government and the Polish Episcopal Conference.
One of his final initiatives as a pastor dedicated to teachers and educators was the organization of the National Pilgrimage of Teachers and Education Workers to the German concentration camp in Ravensbrück, which was scheduled for March 2025. Unfortunately, due to illness, he was unable to participate in this event.
Anna DRUŚ
Source: DlaPolonii.pl
