Rev. Józef Ręgorowicz (1860-1914) − a Priest in the Polish Community in the United States of America

Abstract

Józef Węgorowicz was born in Dąbrowa Tarnowska on 5^th November 1860. He followed his vocation by serving Poles both in Poland and abroad – in the United States. The first years of his stay in the USA (in the Trentom Diocese; St Mary of Ostrabrama Church in South River, New Jersey) were taken up by efforts to build a church, a school and a presbytery. At the same time he paid attention to organizing the parishioners, to deepening their spirituality and to awakening patriotism among members of the Polish emigration.

In 1907 for health reasons he resigned from the office of parish priest in South River. He moved to the St Hedwig Parish in Trenton, New Jersey, situated 37.4 miles (about 60 km) from South River.

In 1911 still suffering from serious illness he returned to Poland. First he lived in Krakow, and then in Zagórz near Sanok. He died on 7^th June 1914 and was buried in the parish cemetery in Zagórz.