Father Kasjan Wolak’s activity in Polish colony in Australia

Abstract

Polish emigration to Australia has rapidly increased after the second world war. Then it became necessary for Polish clergy to take a priestly care of coming emigrants. Capouchin father Kasjan Wolak was a person of greatest importance in this respect. In years 1954-1973 he was working among Poles in Canberra and Brisbane, where he were a parish-priest of an Australian parish at Bowen Hills and also founded a Polish Ministry Center. The main task of his ministration, however, was to make Polish emigrants not to lose their Catholic faith, Polish character and their unity. Alongside with his ministerial activity father Kasjan Wolak also carried on welfare work. He founded a Polish Catholic Committee, initiated the rise of Polish Girl Circle (Kolo Dziewczęcia Polskiego). He also acted as a patron and a protector to various organizations uniting both grown up and young Polish emigrants. Moreover, he worked in the field of education and upbringing, he initiated the rise of Polish school at Bowen Hills, he also patronized Polish scouts organization. Father Kasjan inspired and then was an editor-in-chief of a monthly „Catholic Review” („Przegląd Katolicki”) (1968-1973). In years 1959-1969 he edited a directory entitled „Priestly Communication” („Komunikat Duszpasterski”). He also organized and for many years conducted „Wawel” a Polish choir, took care of Polish cultural organizations. He was honoured with two golden medals and a special favouring letter from cardinal S. Wyszyński for his outstanding activity among Polish emigrants in Australia.