…in my opinion, and maybe that of the diocese of Allentown, PA, which just sent 1000 pages of preliminary testimony on the life of Father Walter Ciszek to Rome.
Father Ciszek was an American Jesuit who spent 20 years in the Soviet gulag–accused as a “Vatican Spy”. He continued to pursue his priestly ministry both in the labor camp, and after he was freed and living in Siberia. After his return to the United States in 1963 he wrote two best selling books, With God in Russia and He Leadeth Me . Until the end of his life in 1984 he lived a hidden life in the Bronx, counselling and directing all who came to him, from priests to the Bronx homeless to an engaged couple named Daria and Bill. We were incredibly honored when Fr. Ciszek agreed to officiate at our wedding in 1980.
One of these days I’ll scan those old wedding photos and put them up here.