Cardinal-Hero Survivor of the Gulag, dies at the age of 96

We are deeply saddened to announce that His Eminence, Cardinal Swiatek, former Archbishop of Minsk-Mohilev, died at the age of 96. 

He was famous for his heroic resistance to Communism, and for being the only priest of his diocese to survive nine years in the Soviet Communist Gulag (concentration camps).

         

While there, he endured hard labor, temperatures of -40 degrees, while sleeping in a hole in the ground that was virtually unprotected.

Cardinal Swiatek received the Fidei Testis (Witness to the Faith) award from then Pope John Paul II in September 2004. 

Here are TFP-America Needs Fatima, we are indebted to him for his kind collaboration and unwavering friendship over the years. 

For example, in 1996, His Eminence had the goodness to send me a letter of support and encouragement for our then newly released book called “Jacinta’s Story,” a Fatima storybook for children.  Here is a copy of that letter:

I hope and ask that you will pray for the eternal repose of his soul.  May God and the Blessed Mother reward him for his heroic and public resistance to Communism, and for all the suffering he endured in private in his 9 years in the Gulag.

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In case you are having trouble reading the facsimile copy of His Eminence’s message to  TFP-America Needs Fatima, here is that same message in clear typed out lettering:

'Dear Mr. Ritchie,

‘America and the world desperately need to turn to the Mother of God. The errors of Communism predicted by Our Lady at Fatima have harmed both our countries, even if in very different ways.

'For the future of mankind, it is of the utmost importance that her call to conversion be heard across America and around the world!

'That is why I am overjoyed to learn about the remarkable success of the America Needs Fatima campaign. I ardently pray that you receive widespread support.

'Under the protection of Almighty God, I hope that your vital apostolate continues to grow. For this intention, I give my Apostolic Blessing, imploring the Blessed Virgin Mary to protect your immense country and your important work.'

Sincerely yours,

Kazimierz Kard. Swiatek,

Archbishop of Minsk-Mohilev

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