Feliński

Feliński refers primarily to Zygmunt Szczęsny Feliński (1822-1895), a Polish Roman Catholic priest who served as Archbishop of Warsaw from 1862 to 1883.

Feliński was a prominent figure in 19th-century Poland, a time marked by political upheaval and foreign domination. His appointment as Archbishop came during a period of martial law following unrest against Russian rule. He attempted to mediate between the Polish population and the Russian authorities, advocating for the rights of the Church and the Polish people while urging restraint.

His moderate stance led to criticism from both sides. He was eventually exiled to Yaroslavl in Russia in 1863, where he remained for 20 years. Despite his exile, he continued to exert influence and remained a symbol of Polish resistance.

After his return to Poland in 1883, he retired to Dźwiniaczka, where he founded a congregation of Franciscan Sisters of the Family of Mary. He dedicated his later years to charitable works and spiritual writing.

Zygmunt Szczęsny Feliński was canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. He is remembered for his piety, his commitment to social justice, and his role in the history of the Catholic Church in Poland.