On 2 February 2026, the town of Grójec in central Poland solemnly honoured one of its most distinguished sons, Fr. Piotr Skarga SJ (1536–1612). This event caught the attention of the editorial line of JCEP as it highlights the enduring spiritual and social legacy of a Jesuit whose commitment to education, charity, and public witness continues to inspire Jesuit communities across the continent.

After many years of expectation, this outstanding son of Grójec has finally received a long-awaited distinction — fittingly on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the World Day for Consecrated Life, and the 490th anniversary of his birth. On 2 February 2026, the local authorities and community of Grójec solemnly paid tribute to Fr. Piotr Skarga SJ, one of Poland’s most prominent Jesuits.

The celebrations began with a Eucharist in the Church of St Nicholas, presided over by Bishop Rafał Markowski. The homily was delivered by Fr. Krzysztof Dorosz SJ, who preached in the Jesuit habit.

Referring to the symbolism of Christ as Light, central to the feast of the Presentation, the preacher presented Fr. Skarga as a bearer of God’s light wherever he was sent and wherever he served with zeal: in education, charitable works and ministries of mercy, as a widely read author, and above all as a royal preacher, the role for which he is best known. Fr. Dorosz emphasised that Fr. Skarga was particularly concerned with healing the social and internal wounds of Poland, calling for unity grounded in higher values — love of God and love of one’s homeland. This message, he noted, remains especially relevant in today’s Polish social context. At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Krystian Biernacki SJ presented an update on the beatification process of the Servant of God, Fr. Piotr Skarga.

Following the Eucharist, representatives of the Polish Parliament, local government, public institutions, the armed forces and uniformed services, schools, and standard-bearing delegations gathered at the monument of Fr. Piotr Skarga. Despite the severe frost, a brief ceremony took place, during which flowers were laid and soldiers lit a memorial candle.

The next part of the celebration was held at the Grójec Cultural Centre, where a formal session of the Municipal Council, chaired by Dorota Niedbała, took place. During the session, Mayor Dariusz Gwiazda presented and justified the proposal to confer Honorary Citizenship of the City of Grójec on Fr. Piotr Skarga. The councillors then voted by name, unanimously approving the resolution. In this way, Fr. Skarga became only the fourth person in the city’s history to receive this distinction, in the town where he was born.

After the resolution was signed, commemorative copies were presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to preserving the memory of Fr. Piotr Skarga. On behalf of the Society of Jesus — represented by Fr. Damian Mazurkiewicz SJ (Socius), Fr. Krystian Biernacki SJ, and Fr. Krzysztof Dorosz SJ — the document was received by Fr. Biernacki, Vice-Postulator of the beatification process. A commemorative copy was also presented to Ms Agnieszka Czyż-Mańkowska, President of the Ecclesiastical Charitable Foundation of Fr. Piotr Skarga, whose active work in Grójec has been central to the entire initiative. The ceremony was accompanied by music performed by the Youth Brass Band of the Grójec Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Grójec City Choir.

These celebrations inaugurated the Year of Piotr Skarga in Grójec, during which a series of educational, cultural, social, and religious events will take place, aimed at commemorating and renewing awareness of the life and legacy of this eminent Polish Jesuit.