Poles in Bolivia

Abstract

The article provides examples of our compatriots staying among the Indian tribes in Bolivia since the end of the 19th century (which was the period of emigration and research expeditions of Polish scientists: Józef Jackowski, Rudolf Zuber, Władysław Kluger, Roman Kozłowski, Jan Kalinowski, Józef Warszewicz). The missionary work of Poles in Bolivia began in the second half of the 20th century. The first ones who arrived were the Salesians and Redemptorists. The Franciscans came in the 1970. Missionary activity has been also performed by the missionary sisters from various religious orders and assemblies (including the Dębickie Servant Sisters, the Albertine Sisters, the Sacred Heart Sisters). The article presents the silhouettes of prominent Polish women and men serving in Bolivia: Friar Piotr Nawrot (Divine Word Missionary and musicologist), Bishop Krzysztof Białasik (Divine Word Missionary, the “Polish shepherd of Bolivian mountaineers”), Friar Kazimierz Strzępek – called “El Misionero,” Friar Kacper Nowakowski (Franciscan, OFM Conv.), Grzegorz Stachowiak (CR), Sister Miriam (of the Sacred Heart Sisters). In addition, the author recalls these Poles who passed away, but are still present in the hearts of Bolivians: Fr Bernard Czaja (Divine Word Missionary), Fr. Tomasz Strudzik, and Fr. Mariusz Graszek. Henryk Nowak and Mileniusz Spanowicz (a photographer of Bolivian nature) who are currently living in Bolivia, are also presented in the article.