Miles Christi – Ksiądz Biskup Kazimierz Józef Kowalski, Ordynariusz Diecezji Chełmińskiej

In the work titled „Miles Christi – Bishop Casimir Joseph Kowalski, Ordinary Chełmno Diocese”, among other things, there was presented the influence of the first after war ordinary on the development and rebuilding of Chelmno Church in a very difficultafter-occupation period. The description of bishop’s activity was preceded by the presentation of his way from childhood till the moment he settled in Pelpin. Bishop Kazimierz Joseph Kowalski was born in March 2, 1896 in Gniezno, then grew up in the house fulfilled with the spirit of piety and patriotism. He was involved in the Wielkopolska Uprising. After that, he took priestly vows and graduated from the Seminary in Poznań in 1922. When he took the holy orders, he went abroad to study philosophy. In 1935 the priest was nominated to be a dean of seminary in Poznań. After the war, he returned to Poznań. Chelmno diocese was one of the oldest Polish dioceses. It was devastated like never before under the occupation during World War II. In April 12, 1946 in Rome there was published the bull appointing priest Kazimierz Joseph Kowalski to the position of 56th ordinary of Chelmno diocese. The act of the acceptance of the rule took place in June 30, 1946.Thepriest chose as the motto of his bishop’s way words: Miles Christi. At the very beginning of his service, he gave three addresses: to priests, the faithful and the young. Then he started to organize works at The Seminary. In 1959 he organized the Diocesan Synod. He also took care of the ill and the suffered. He became famous as a big Marian advocate and a bard of Marian cult. During his ruleit is preaching the word of God that was perhaps his the most important duty. The bishop took a very active part in the works of the Polish Episcopate. He was the first ordinary in Chelmno diocese who participated in works of the Second Vatican Council (1962 – 65). Bishop Kazimierz Joseph Kowalski died in May 16, 1972 in Czestochowa.