New: "Popieluszko: Freedom is Within Us"

Now available from Ignatius Press:






Popieluszko: Freedom is Within Us




• DVD | 149 minutes



The stirring, powerful true story of Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko, the courageous young priest martyr who became the chaplain and spiritual leader of the large trade
union in Poland, Solidarity, in the 1980s. At 37 yrs. old, Fr. Popiełuszko was brutally murdered by Communist agents for his outspoken defense of his people,
and proclaiming the teachings of the Church on human rights and the dignity of the human person.



An ordinary young priest in many ways, Fr. Jerzy had a dynamic personality, a deep prayer life, and a strong empathy for the persecution and sufferings of the workers
and trade unionists, especially when Martial Law was declared in 1981. He was a beacon of hope in those dark days and his message of truth was devoured by the
Polish people after 40 years of oppression. Thousands came from all over Poland to hear him speak and every month the crowds grew, bringing the Secret Police closer
to his door.



He was harassed, threatened, and imprisoned, but he would not be silenced. His friends suggested that he leave Poland for his own safety but he replied "my place is
with the people" and "I am ready for anything." On October 19, 1984, three Communist agents kidnapped Father Jerzy and he was viciously beaten, bound, and thrown
into the Vistula River. A priest greatly revered by the Polish nation, over 700,000 attended his funeral, and a national shrine at his grave in front of his parish church in Warsaw is
visited by a million people yearly. He was beatified in 2010.



Bonus Extras:



• 16 page Companion Collector's Booklet

• "Behind the Scenes" film on making of movie (30 minutes)

• "Victors Never Die"- Special documentary on Fr. Popieluszko (50 minutes)