Piotr Kmiecik
Piotr (pronounced Peter) Kmiecik hails from Lindow, which is located in south Poland, very close to Czestochowa.
“Czestochowa is like a spiritual capital of Poland,” he said.
“It is known for the famous Pauline Monastery of Jasna Gora, which is home of the Black Madonna, a very famous painting and shrine to the Virgin Mary.”
Kmiecik is an only child.
“My mother is a widow and shares a house with her sister Anna. Anna has one son also, my cousin Luke, who I love and treat like my younger brother. My mother, Maria, came from a large family – three brothers and three sisters,” he said. “We all stick together in good and bad. We help each other when needed. I thank God each day for such a wonderful family.”
Kmiecik said his childhood was like that of any young boy, describing himself as “fun-loving and sometimes mischievous.”
“Everything changed when I became an altar boy at St. Joseph Church,” he said. “The pastor was a great example to me and I began to think about my future. I remember praying to God for guidance and, each year, the thoughts of priesthood were stronger. I have traveled many roads in this direction. Finally, in 2009, I joined Saints Cyril and Methodius Seminary. I don’t have anyone or anything in particular that influenced my decision. Deep inside I know that God is calling me.”
When he arrived in the United States in 2009 to begin his studies, Kmiecik had not heard of the Diocese of Biloxi. However, after meeting with Father Dennis Carver, diocesan director of vocations, Kmiecik became curious and decided to pay a visit to South Mississippi.
“Holy Family Parish was the first parish I visited. I fell in love with it,” he said. “Choosing Biloxi was easy. The parishioners surrounded me with so much love. Father Carver is wonderful, very open and honest and all of that strengthened my decision. I believe that God has helped me to find my place in Mississippi.
Kmiecik said life in the seminary is very organized.
“There is time for work, time to study, time to pray and time to rest,” he said.
“We seminarians are all different. For some, it’s hard to be so regimented. For me personally, it’s very convenient. I have adapted to it and I love it. I am a very happy seminarian.”
Kmiecik said he truly enjoys being in Mississippi.
“It’s beautiful, sunny and warm. I love warm weather. I also enjoy delicious food. I especially enjoy seafood. It’s good and it’s healthy,” he said.
“Being so close to the Gulf of Mexico helps too. I love to sit at the shore and watch the water, listen to the wind and think about my life.”
But what he enjoys most are the people.
“I love the people,” he said. “They are so kind, open and joyous despite their hard lives and their struggles. I truly hope that one day I will fully share and hopefully help them in their everyday experiences.”
In addition to Urbaniak and Kmiecik, Deacon Bartosz Kunat is also studying for the Diocese of Biloxi.
Kunat, who is assigned to Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral this summer, will be ordained in December, making him the first Polish priest in the history of the Diocese of Biloxi.
Printed with permission from Gulf Pine Catholic, newspaper for the Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi.