A Gift of Faith: The Arrival of the Blessed Martyrs' Relics in the Philippines

On February 25, 2025, a group of Polish pilgrims named "Róże Maryi" visited the St. Maximilian Major Seminary to present the Ex Sanguine (blood) relic of Blessed Michał Tomaszek and Blessed Zbigniew Strzałkowski—two Polish Franciscan Conventual priests martyred in Peru on August 9, 1991, by the Shining Path terrorist group. At the time of their martyrdom, they were 31 and 33 years old.

At the start of the Holy Mass, presided over by Fra. Zbigniew Kubit, OFMConv., a representative of the Polish Province, the first-class relics of the Blessed Martyrs were solemnly handed over to Friar Daniel Ma. Sugatan, OFMConv., representing the Philippine Custody.

The arrival of these sacred relics is a profound blessing for the Friars of the Philippine Custody, serving as both a gift and an inspiration. The unwavering faith of the Blessed Martyrs, who remained steadfast in their mission despite threats to their lives, is a powerful testament to their love for the Order and the Church. May we be inspired by their holiness and learn to offer our lives for Christ—not only through red martyrdom but also through the daily sacrifices of white martyrdom.