Birmingham: parish bids farewell to two long-serving Polish priests

The main hall at the Polish Centre in Bordesley Street. Birmingham, was filled to overflowing as parishioners attended a special event to say goodbye to two Polish priests who have ministered at St Michaels' RC Church in Birmingham for 29 years.

St. Michaels' is shared between the Archdiocese of Birmingham and the Polish Catholic Mission.

Parish Priest Father Zastocki is returning to his Order in Poland, whilst Curate Father Zawistowski is being transferred to the Polish Shrine of Our Lady in Gietrzwald.

Fr Zawistowski said he had wonderful memories of the late Monsignor Leonard who welcomed him into the parish and continued to support both priests in their pastoral work.

The Archbishop of Birmingham, the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols said: "I am very grateful to the Polish chaplains, working from St Michael's, for the care they have given to the Polish community over almost thirty years. Many people are extremely grateful to them."

"I thank them for all they have done and for the increasing levels of cooperation with the English parish of St Michael's in Birmingham."

For most of the last 28 years, Fathers Zastocki and Zawistowski were the only two Polish priests working in Birmingham, but last year another priest was sent from Poland to help out due to the considerable influx of the new wave of Poles into Britain.

Currently there are three Polish priests working at the Parish.