Fr. Marian …..A New Retired Priest – A new gift to our parish and our community
A few weeks ago, an email came from the bishop’s office saying that Fr. Marian is looking to retire in our diocese. Kim – the Bishop’s executive assistant asked if any priest has an extra room and would be willing to have Fr. Marian reside in the rectory. I indicated that we have extra room and enough space to accommodate three priests. Having made the necessary consultation and with Bishop’s approval, all is ready to welcome Fr. Marian.
Fr. Marian arrived in Penticton on Wednesday, August 25. He drove from Modesto, California. He is settling in well and has already met some of our parishioners. He looks forward to meeting all our parishioners. Please give him our warm ‘Catholic Parishes of Penticton’ welcome when you see him.
He will be doing a lot of replacement ministry in our diocese. When he is in Penticton, he’ll also be involved in the life and ministry of our parishes. He doesn’t look like someone who is retired: he’s very fit and active. He’s planned on playing tennis with Tug McGraw already. He goes for one hour run every morning, and walks out in the gym. I think he’s putting me to shame here 😊 He cooks, too. I had a taste and it was good.
Fr. Harry and I welcome our new brother in the rectory. I thank Jesus for the new gift he’s given us! With God’s grace, we’ll live together for a long time, loving and serving you our people, and together doing the will of God!
Please find below an introductory note from Fr. Marian.
Fr. Obi’s eye
Following an accident I had 7 years ago, my cornea was damaged due to glass that went right through it. After three surgeries, the glass was removed and eye stabilized. I had 20% vision in the eye. The hope was that a cornea transplant will be done if there’s no further improvement. As you can well imagine, I was hoping for a blue eye, but it hasn’t happened yet. Well, a few weeks ago, I started having intense pain on the same eye. The doctors found out that I now have a detached retina. Further investigation is being conducted to see what is going on and to schedule a surgery. I will be going to Vancouver soon. My health remains stable and I can function perfectly well with my left eye. So, nothing to worry about. However, I ask that you pray for me: for God’s will and healing. Right now, I do not have any vision at all in the right eye. I’m sharing this just to let you know what is happening for me (since you won’t be seeing me very much these days) and to ask for your prayers.
Weekday Masses resume next week. Fr. Marian will be saying all the Masses. Fr. Harry will be helping, too, when he is here. I might be in Vancouver depending on when I get a call from the surgeon there.
God is good… all the time… and all the time, God is good!
Your brother,
Fr. Obi
Introductory Note from Fr. Marian
My name is Fr. Marian Korzeniowski. I have been a priest for over 36 years. I was born in Poland, and in 1985 I went to study theology in Albany, New York. Later in 1985 I moved to Peterborough, ON and was ordained there the same year. After 5 years in the Peterborough Diocese I was sent to the Canadian Forces as a chaplain. After almost 26 years I retired from the forces in 2016. For the last 5 years I worked at St. Stanislaus Parish in Modesto, CA. I just returned back to Canada and I will be working in the Diocese of Nelson as a replacement priest. I am happy to be here and grateful to Fr. Obi and Bishop Gregory for their hospitality.
My hobbies include travel, sports, reading and nature. I am an avid tennis player and look forward to pursuing those interests. I look forward to meeting you and being of service.