On Sunday, October 26, 2025, the Redemptorists of the Warsaw Province celebrated a special jubilee: the 50th anniversary of the Redemptorist Novitiate in Lubaszowa, near Tuchów. Fifty years ago, in 1975, Father Josef Pfab CSsR, then Superior General of the Redemptorist Congregation, at the request of Provincial Father Stanisław Podgórski CSsR, decided to move the Novitiate from Łomnica to Lubaszowa. The decision was motivated by the steady increase in the number of candidates and the proximity to the Redemptorist Major Seminary in Tuchów, then the main center of religious formation for the Redemptorists in Poland.
After an eight-day retreat led by Father Eugeniusz Karpiel, CSsR, fifteen candidates (including two from the previous year who were completing their novitiate) began their journey in Lubaszowa on August 14, 1975, the eve of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The novice master was Father Kazimierz Smoleń, CSsR, assisted by Father Stanisław Nowak, CSsR, as socius, while the superior of the house was Father Czesław Rogus, CSsR. The first year concluded with the profession of vows on August 15, 1976, marking the beginning of a history that continues to this day, despite some interruptions related to changes in religious formation models.
Since 2016, the Novitiate of the Warsaw Province has been officially transformed into the Interprovincial Novitiate of the Redemptorists of Lubaszowa-Podoliniec, with two twin locations: Lubaszowa in Poland and Picolinic in Slovakia. This project, initially supported by four units of the Congregation (the Province of Warsaw, the Province of Bratislava-Prague, the Vice-Province of Michalovce, and the Royal Congregation of St. Gerard), formalized an existing collaboration, strengthening the formation of novices.
The Jubilee celebrations
The 50th anniversary celebrations began with Vespers, presided over by Father Dariusz Paszyński, CSsR, superior of the Redemptorist Province of Warsaw. The event also marked the inauguration of the academic year for the student brothers of the Redemptorist Major Seminary in Krakow, who had been guests in Lubaszowa since Saturday evening. Among those present were their formators: Father Marek Urban, CSsR (rector), Father Wacław Zyskowski, CSsR (prefect), and Father Stanisław Paprocki, CSsR (associate to the prefect). In his homily, Father Paszyński reflected on religious life and formation, encouraging the young people to follow the example of Saint Alphonsus and live the present with commitment and gratitude.
Sunday began with the common prayer of Lauds, followed at 9:00 a.m. by the solemn Jubilee Eucharist in the Chapel of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The liturgy was presided over by Father Dariusz Paszyński, CSsR. In his homily, the provincial exhorted everyone to thank God for the 50-year history of the Novitiate and to pray for new vocations.
Among the guests were former novitiate formators such as Father Stanisław Nowak, CSsR, Father Józef Gęza, CSsR, Father Jacek Zdrzałek, CSsR, and Father Sylwester Cabała, CSsR, as well as representatives of the first class of novices in Lubaszowa, including Father Zenon Jankowski, CSsR, and Father Wojciech Skroboszewski, CSsR. Also in attendance were confreres, benefactors, parishioners, Oblate Aleksandra Krawczyk, parents of the novices, the mayor of Tuchów, Maria Wiśniowska, and the principal of the Lubaszowa elementary school, Barbara Dusza.
After the Mass, a commemorative group photo was taken, followed by a friendly and enjoyable moment with coffee and cake. The program continued with a historical lecture given by Father Łukasz Listopad CSsR, novice master, on the history of the novitiate’s 50th anniversary. A film made by the novices, entitled “50 Years of the Redemptorist Novitiate in Lubaszowa,” was then shown, gathering memories and testimonies from confreres and lay people. Afterward, the guests shared their memories and best wishes.
The celebrations concluded with a solemn lunch, during which there was no shortage of memories, gratitude, and the joy of celebrating together.
Fr. Łukasz Listopad CSsR, Br. Jakub Różycki
Novitiate of the Redemptorists in Lubaszowa
Photo: Fr. Marcin Flakiewicz CSsR, Major Seminary of the Redemptorists in Krakow
(source: www.redemptor.pl)
