Home Parish: St. Nicholas, Moszczenica, Poland
Age: 22
Seminary: SS.Cyril & Methodius Seminary
High School: II LO, Nowy Sacz
Parents: Maria and Andrzej Zielinski
Siblings: Marcin, Michal, Karolina, Maria
Hobbies: Watching movies, reading books, playing soccer
When did you start thinking about being a priest?
I think that the first thoughts about the priesthood came to me when I was an altar boy. I was very young at that time. I tried to imagine myself celebrating the Mass, but I still was too short!
What were some Church activities that you participated in prior to entering the seminary?
I was an altar boy and a lector in my home parish.
What is your favorite scripture passage? Why?
"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain" (John 15:16) I like it because it always reminds me that I am in the hands of God and He is always with me in my vocation.
Who influenced/inspired you to priesthood? Explain.
I think that it was a pastor in my home parish in Poland, who showed me how to be a good priest, how to serve God, the Church, and people. Pope John Pope II was a great example of a priest for me as well.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
That I am the youngest one at my seminary and the oldest one in my family (out of four siblings).
Did anybody invite you to consider the priesthood?
Yes, my pastor... and sometimes some people were talking about it in my presence...
How did you come to know Jesus Christ and his call in your life?
I have always been interested in my faith. I think that it was a process of getting to know Christ better every day. And one day He called me and I answered...
What were the spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and shape your personal relationship with Christ and his Church?
I think that prayer was the most important because it built my personal relationship with God. I attended many retreat and "God-talks" to know Christ more and more.
Were there any signs that led you to believe God was calling you to be a priest?
God has helped me in many situations that seemed just impossible for me at the beginning. These signs assured me that I need to trust Him completely. And I decided to enter the seminary.
How did your family and friends react when you told them that you were entering the seminary?
My mother cried, my siblings seemed surprised and my father did not say anything... My friends were completely shocked.
What was the transition like into seminary life? What did you imagine it to be, and in fact what was it like?
Seminary life is a life in community. We have to help each other because we are on the same boat and have the same purpose. We have to understand and tolerate each other as well. I was brought up in a big family so it was not a big surprise for me. The surprise was that I had to get up so early... and I am still surprised every morning by my alarm-clock...
Why is the priesthood so important today?
Because people need God and His teaching these days. Priests are those who can bring people closer to God.
What advice would you give to a man who is “on the fence” about entering the seminary?
Do not be afraid to follow Christ.
This is the final installment in a series of profiles of the seminarians enrolled at Our Lady of Providence Seminary. The Rhode Island Catholic wishes these young men God’s blessings as they continue on their spiritual journeys.
