Jan Wojciech Balicki

Returning to his diocese in 1897, Father Balicki was appointed professor of dogmatic theology at the Przemyśl seminary, a position he would hold for nearly thirty-seven years. He also assumed important administrative duties there: prefect of studies (from 1900 to 1927), vice-rector (1927-1928), and then rector of the seminary from 1928 to 1934. Due to serious health problems, he resigned from his position as rector in 1934, but chose to remain at the seminary to serve as spiritual director and confessor to the seminarians.

Alongside his academic mission, Jan Balicki actively dedicated himself to works of mercy and helping the most destitute. Sensitive to the distress of marginalized and exploited young women, he founded in 1916 (or 1919 according to some sources) the "Dom Miłosierdzia Bożego" (House of Divine Mercy) in Przemyśl, a refuge intended to welcome and reintegrate prostitutes and young girls in difficulty. This initiative sparked misunderstanding and violent slander from certain local notables, but Father Balicki received the unwavering support of his bishop, Msgr. Józef Sebastian Pelczar (now recognized as a saint). The refuge operated until the Soviet invasion of Przemyśl at the beginning of the Second World War, a period during which it was closed by the occupying authorities.

Despite the restrictions imposed by the successive occupations (Soviet then German) during the war, Jan Balicki remained with the faithful and the seminarians in Przemyśl, offering them spiritual comfort and confessions.

Considered a priest of exceptional humility and piety during his lifetime, Jan Balicki passed away on March 15, 1948, at the hospital in Przemyśl, following a double pneumonia and advanced tuberculosis. His reputation for holiness, already firmly established, spread rapidly after his death.

The process for his beatification officially opened at the diocesan level on July 22, 1959, and concluded on November 22, 1963. His spiritual writings were approved by a decree on May 3, 1974. The cause was formally introduced in Rome on June 19, 1982. On December 15, 1994, Pope John Paul II signed the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, conferring upon him the title of Venerable.

The official recognition of an unexplained healing miracle attributed to his intercession paved the way for his beatification. On August 18, 2002, during his final apostolic journey to Poland, Pope John Paul II celebrated the beatification mass for Jan Wojciech Balicki at Błonie Park in Krakow, before a vast crowd. During this same ceremony, three other Polish figures of mercy were also beatified: Zygmunt Szczęsny Feliński, Jan Beyzym, and Sancja Szymkowiak. On August 23, 2002, the relics of the new blessed were solemnly transferred from the municipal cemetery to the Cathedral of the Assumption and Saint John the Baptist in Przemyśl, where they now rest under the side altar of Saint Adalbert (Wojciech).

The spirituality of Jan Balicki is deeply rooted in humility, contemplative prayer, and confident abandonment to divine mercy. He is the author of a major theological treatise on the interior life entitled Studium o stanach mistycznych (Study on Mystical States), in which he theorizes four degrees of mystical prayer: 1. The prayer of quiet (or silence) 2. The prayer of simple union 3. Ecstatic union 4. Perfect union. He also formulated seven practical steps for progressing in the spiritual life: 1. A serious approach to life 2. A constant disposition for self-criticism 3. An unwavering trust in prayer 4. Joy of spirit 5. Love of suffering 6. Praise of divine mercy 7. A continual self-amendment. Cardinal Karol Wojtyła (the future John Paul II) held Father Balicki in great admiration. In 1975, he wrote to Pope Paul VI to present him as an accomplished model for diocesan priests of our time, highlighting his unique ability to combine intense pastoral activity with deep mystical contemplation.