Tadeusz Gocłowski CM
Archbishop Tadeusz Goclowski, C.M., J.C.D. was born on 16 September 1931 in Piski ( in Ostroleka county, about 50 miles from Warsaw) where Goclowski family settled after immigration from United States. He finished the Vincentian Minor Seminary ( the high school) in Krakow, and then continued in Theological Seminary -- Theological Institute of Vincentian Fathers (Instytut Teologiczny Ksiezy Misjonarzy) also in Krakow entering Congregation of Mission. Ordained priest on 24 June 1956, in the seminary church in Krakow by bishop Stanislaw Rospond. After ordination he is sent to continue post graduate studies in Canon Law in Rome and at Catholic University of Lublin (KUL). As a Judicial Doctor he becomes lecturer in the Vincentian Theological Institute (ITKM) in Krakow and diocesan seminary in Gdansk-Oliwa. The seminary for diocese of Gdansk was run and staffed by Vincentians from 1957 to 1998 when its governance was forwarded to diocesan priests.
Vincentian Fathers Institute of Theology -- originates in 1909 when the Vincentian seminary was turned into an academic institution preparing candidates for priesthood. Since the beginning is located at 4 Stradom Street in Krakow, where the CM Provincial Residence is too. It brings theology and philosophy seminary formation to students from Congregation of the Mission Province of Poland some other provinces and few other religious congregations and orders present in Krakow. In 1981 as a Visitor of Poland and the Great Chancellor of the Institute Fr. Goclowski lead it to affiliation with Pontifical Academy of Theology (PAT) a successor of Theology Department at Jagiellonian University. Thanks to affiliation ITKM graduates receive M.A. diplomas.
From 1971 to 1973 and as well as 1982 - 1983 he holds position of Rector in the bishop's seminary in Gdansk-Oliwa . Meanwhile, from 1973 to 1982 Fr. Goclowski is a Visitor of CM Province of Poland. He he holds this position for three consecutive terms. In these years the Vincentian Theological Institute becomes part of Pontifical Academy of Theology in Krakow. CM Vice Provinces of Curitiba (Brazil) and New England (USA) get their independence becoming Provinces, Polish Vincentian priests and brothers go to missions in Madagascar and Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaire). He also guides the province through dark period of Martial Law in Poland.
While being Rector of Gdansk seminary for the second time he is appointed the auxiliary bishop for diocese of Gdansk and a titular bishop of Benevento (Carthage, Northern Africa) on 22 March 1983. Consecrated bishop 17 April 1983 by Cardinal Jozef Glemp, the Primate of Poland, in the Our Lady Basilica in Gdansk. He places a motto "credite evangelio" -- "believe the Gospel" in his seal. More than a year later, on 31 December 1984, he was appointed the bishop of Gdansk (fifth one in line) upon the death of his predecessor, bishop Kaczmarek. Then, on 22 March 1992 due to introduction of new administrative organization of the Church in Poland he is raised to the dignity of archbishop and first metropolitan of Gdansk.
Msgr Goclowski is deeply engaged in the works of Polish Episcopate being co-chairman of Episcopate - Government Committee, chairman of Laborers' Apostolate Committee, Nationwide Moderator of Seamen Apostolate. In 1988 and 1989 he participated in so called 'Magdalenka Talks', a serious of debates and discussions between Church, communist government and underground opposition leaders as Episcopate representative. He is zealous advocate of workers' right and ardent advocate of 'Solidarity' trade union movement especially in Martial Law period. Msgr Goclowski is recognized as one of the strongest authorities in Polish Episcopate and the Church. Known of his superb erudition he likes historical and social sciences books and regularly reads newspapes and opinion making magazines. He likes listening to classical music as well..
In September 2006, after achieving Canonical retirement age he forwarded the Holy See formal dismissal from his office of bishop of Gdansk. Pope Benedict XVI did not accept dismissal and he asked archbishop to remain in his post until April 17, 2008, that is to 25th anniversary of his episcopal ordinations. On this day Msgr Goc?owski stepped down. Ingress of new bishop of Gdansk took place on April 26, 2008 in the arch-cathedral in Gdansk-Oliwa.
On November 10, 2011 awarded the Order of the White Eagle, highest Polish state decoration by the President of the Republic of Poland Bronislaw Komorowski “in recognition of distinguished merits to the Republic of Poland, especially in public and social life, as an advocate of democratic change in the country and his achievements in the work for reconciliation between people” as the President stated it.
On April 21, 2016 he was taken to hospital where he was diagnosed extensive cerebral hemorrhage. Recently Msgr Goc?owski was undertaking chemotherapy procedures which according to doctors caused the stroke. He remained unconscious. It was his second serious stroke. In 2010 he suffered from another stroke.
At 4:12 p.m. local time, May 3, 2016, Archbishop Tadeusz Goclowski CM died.
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