Servant of God Fr. Walter Ciszek

Today in 1941 Servant of God Fr. Walter Ciszek, a newly ordained Jesuit priest from Pennsylvania, was arrested by the Soviet Red Army. Accused of being a Vatican spy he was sentenced to 5 years in solitary confinement AND THEN 15 years of hard labor in Siberia. While in various prison camps, he managed to celebrate Mass and hear confessions. Father Ciszek recounted his experiences in the books “He Leadeth Me” and “With God in Russia,” co-written with fellow Jesuit Father Daniel Flaherty. Recently the cause for his canonization was terminated, although Vatican’s decision does not “diminish the enduring spiritual value” of his witness, said a leading advocate for the cause. His books and stories are incredible. I highly recommend listening to the live interview of Fr. Walter Ciszek’s experiences available on the Hallow app as well as their 13 day challenge called “He Leadeth Me” with excerpts from his book. He is a true witness and I pray someday his cause for canonization is reopened.