| Father Krzysztof Chwalek, who was ordained as a member of the Society of Christ on 22-5-1980 has completed 30 years service as a priest. He has served faithfully in many communities in Australia. Since arriving in Australia in June 1983, his record of service includes periods in the following communities:
1983-1990 Ashfield
1990-1995 Adelaide
1995-1997 Canberra
1997-2000 Bankstown
2000-2006 Marayong
2007-onwards Cabramatta-Fairfield
Father Krzysztof Chwalek celebrated his 30th anniversary of Priesthood on Sunday 23 May 2010. He celebrated Mass with Provincial Father Tadeusz Przybylak and Father Jozef Kolodziej at the Sacred Heart Church, Cabramatta and then the celebration continued at the White Eagle Hall, Cabramatta.
A report in Polish and plenty of photos - just click here
At the 11.15 am Mass, long serving organist Richard Krajewski was joined by Halina Gad, Olenka Kierdal and Olivia Kierdal to provide singing and music to enhance the liturgy. The Hall was full to capacity with parishioners coming from Fairfield, Cabramatta, Liverpool as well as Ashfield, Bankstown and Marayong. The official table comprised of Fr Tadeusz Przybylak, Fr Krzysztof Chwalek, Fr Jozef Kolodziej, Fr Antoni Dudek, Fr Marian Szeptak, Fr Artur Botur, Sr Ursula, Sr Monika and Sr Ludwika.
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They were welcomed officially by a representative from the Pastoral Committee, Dorota Jezierska. This was followed by the Provincial Father Przybylak saying a prayer before a very tasty hot lunch, prepared by the Church Committee, was served. Soon after, Zofia Kosakowska commenced the proceedings with an introduction followed by a song being sung by Alicia Polak – “Boze, dzieki Ci” (Lord, we thank you). Polhop represented by Alicja Polak and Angelica Machowicz beautifully sang ‘Skarby’ and the very popular ‘Hallelujah’. Marian Polak, as he does regularly, operated the sound system during the performances.
Lajkonik, Kujawy and Podhale entertained with Polish folk dances, dressed in their respective colourful regional costumes, as follows:-
Lajkonik – Tance Opoczynskie; Krakowiaczek
Kujawy – Polonez Mazur; Zywiec mieszczanski
Podhale – Tance Rzeszowskie; Krakowiak Wschodni
The program in the Hall included a detailed history of Father Chwalek in a montage of speech, song and music. This was presented by Elzbieta Stepien, Josefina Samecka, Zofia Kosakowska, Jerzy Scislowski, Paulina Pazdzior. Iwona Markowska and past members of Laetare led a communal song “Polskie Kwiaty” one of Father Krzysztof’s favourite songs.
After the performances, groups and individuals made presentations to Father Chwalek and he was the recipient of many beautiful flower arrangements and tokens of appreciation. Father Krzysztof Chwalek then cut the Jubilee torte and gave a speech which included thanking a long list of people. All the parishioners sang ‘Zyczymy, zyczymy…’ followed by everyone singing whilst holding hands, the song ‘Przekazmy sobie znak pokoju” (Let us share with each other a sign of peace).Amidst much socialising and photo taking, the celebration ended with serving of coffee and cake.
The community congratulates Father Krzysztof Chwalek on achieving 30 years of Priesthood.
Text & photos by Henry Iglinski
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