"He must grow greater, while I must grow smaller." (Jn 3:30)

How did I become a priest of the Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate (OMI)?

I was born in Poland in October 8, 1970 to a very loving couple. Two years later, a baby sister was born. From my early schooling days many things interested me: sports, music and friends. It was then that I first had the idea of becoming a priest. But I kept it to myself – not telling anybody about it.

Study came easily: Primary school, then secondary school where I specialized in Math and Physics. Everyone thought that I would go on to further my education. But I met an Oblate priest while he was on holiday in my hometown - that priest is now working in Madagascar - and I received the address of the Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate. That is how it all began for me.

I began to attend vocational retreats on weekends. Then I became more involved in my Parish life especially working with Altar Boys. To top it all, just like icing on a cake, I saw the movie “The Mission”, which inspired in me a great desire to become a missionary.

After successfully completing my secondary education, I entered the Oblate novitiate in 1989. That was the most beautiful year of my life. Then in 1990, I went to the Seminary in Obra, Western Poland where I spent the next six years (1990-1996). During this time, I gave a lot of thought as to where I should serve my call as a missionary. A lot of places came to my mind: at first I thought of Madagascar, then of the countries of the former Soviet Union, then Siberia and finally, China/Hong Kong.

While at the seminary, I performed many functions. I was a beekeeper. I looked after visitors and during my last 2½ years, I was responsible for 100 Altar Boys in the Oblate Parish in Obra. As a result, I became attracted to pastoral work.

In September 8, 1994, I had my Final Vows. One year later, in June 20, 1995, I was ordained deacon. Then came my day of ordination, which was on 20th June 1996. I was ordained by Oblate Bishop Eugeniusz Juretzko OMI from Cameroon and given my First Obedience by our Superior General, Father Marcello Zago OMI. I was then assigned to the Chinese Mission - and that is when my missionary and priestly life began.

Two months later, I found myself in Australia where I studied English at Monash University in Melbourne. My first year of priesthood was very exciting because of the different country and culture where I found myself in. After I endeavored to “master” English, I took my first steps in pastoral work at St. David's Parish in Adelaide.

Finally, on 22nd of December 1997, I came to Hong Kong. Again, my Superior sent me to another university to study another language. This time, it was at the Chinese University to study Cantonese. I finished my Cantonese studies in April 2000 – a period of two years. It is indeed true that Cantonese is a very difficult language to learn. But, I believe, that God gave me the strength and patience to learn this difficult language so I could fully achieve my mission.

My first assignment was to serve the Chinese-speaking Parish at St. Jude's in North Point. It was at St. Jude's Parish where I took my first steps in serving the local community. It was a good experience because of the many things I learned there. A year later, I was working in St. Mary's Parish. But God's will always surprises us all! On 16th December 2001, I was appointed Parish Priest of Notre Dame Parish.

I do not know what the future holds for me, but from what I have already received from God, I am very thankful. I always desire to serve God and His people.

I still remember my motto from my Ordination picture: “He must grow greater, while I must grow smaller.” (Jn 3:30) These are words that John the Baptist spoke about Jesus.

I love my priesthood, although, at times it is not without difficulty. I summarize my priestly service in the words of Father Twardowski:

“I am in awe of my Priesthood
I fear my Priesthood
And before my Priesthood I turn to dust
And before my Priesthood I kneel.”

Contact:Superior and Vocation Director

Fr. Slawek Kalisz O.M.I.
51 Shing Tak St., Ma Tau Wei, Kowloon;
Hong Kong, S.R.A. China
Telephone:  (852) 2715 7263
Mobile:       (852) 9386 6277
E-mail: slawekk@netvigator.com