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Writer's pictureProfiles in Catholicism

An Interview with Father Robert Wawer. SJ


Gordon: When and why did you decide to become a Jesuit?

Fr. Robert: In the final year of high school, a person contemplates what to do next in life. During that time, I already desired to build my future based on God and my covenant with Him. In the New Testament, I sought passages that would guide me in choosing my life path. Two particular passages moved me the most.

The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.” Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. (Matthew 19:10-11, )

Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” … I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. … I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—and his interests are divided.(1 Corinthians 7: 1.7-8.32-34)

The desire to administer sacraments and be an instrument in God's hands for conveying His grace and helping people also attracted me. Under the influence of these inspirations, I decided to join the Salesian congregation because I had received the sacraments of Christian initiation and grew up in a Salesian parish. At that time, I didn't know any Jesuits. However, my parents dramatically received my choice without understanding or accepting it. To avoid putting things on the edge, I decided to pursue electronics studies. A fellow seminarian advised me that if I had a vocation, it would endure. During my studies, I considered it a confirmation of my initial decision. I remained open, allowing God the chance that if I fell mutually in love with a wonderful girl during my studies, I would interpret it as a sign inviting me to married life. However, I didn't fall in love during my studies. Instead, I learned about the life and conversion of St. Ignatius of Loyola and encountered a Jesuit academic pastor who impressed me with his humility and inner joy. I also read the theological and spiritually oriented monthly magazine published by the Jesuits in Poland, titled Przeglad Powszechny. All of this led me to decide to join the Jesuits after completing my studies. An additional bonus during that time was that my parents not only understood my decision but were proud when I entered the order in 1992.


Gordon: Where did you attend seminary, what was your favorite course, and why was it your favorite?


Fr. Robert: I spent two years of novitiate in Gdynia, dedicating myself to prayer, studying Ignatian spirituality, and getting to know the order. Next, I went to Krakow for philosophy studies, which I completed in two years. Afterward, I had a one-year pastoral practice period at the Secretariat of the Provincial Curia in Warsaw. Following that, I pursued three years of theology studies at Collegium Bobolanum in Warsaw. During my formation, what left the greatest impression on me was the metaphysics of Emmanuel Lévinas, as presented during my philosophy studies. It revealed the relational essence of human person and the ethical order of love in the world.


Gordon: Please list all of the colleges and universities that you attended and the degree earned at each school.


Fr. Robert: After 5-year technical school of electronics in Koszalin, I went to Gdansk. After five years of studies at the Gdansk University of Technology, I obtained a Master's in Engineering in Electronics in 1992. During that time, I have made simultaneously 2-year pedagogy studies in the field of vocational education In 1996, I finished 2-year studies at the Philosophical Faculty of the Society of Jesus in Cracow, Poland, and obtained a Bachelor of Philosophy degree. In 2000, I finished 3-year studies at the Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Warsaw, Poland, and obtained a Master of Theology degree. In 2001, I was ordained priest. After 2-years of studies at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, CA, I obtained a Sacred Theology Licentiate in Moral Theology in 2002. After 5-years of studies between 2002-2016, I obtained Sacred Theology Doctorate in Theology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University.


Gordon:   When did you serve as Director Polish Pastoral Center - Union City and Martinez, California and what is one of your favorite memories when you were there?


Fr. Robert: As soon as I arrived in Berkeley, California, in the year 2000 for specialized theology studies, I was invited to assist at the Polish Pastoral Center - Polish ethnic parish in the Diocese of Oakland. There, I continuously served for 5 years, followed by additional periods of two years. Initially, I served as a deacon during Mass, and then my first four years of priesthood were shaped within the American context. I was also involved in leading Saturday Polish schools in Union City and Martinez, CA. I edited the parish bulletin and website. Occasionally, I also ministered in English and Spanish-speaking parishes. The time spent in the United States significantly influenced my character. The pragmatic approach of American Jesuits to fulfilling their mission, the immense respect from American society toward priests, and the attachment to the Church and national values of the Polish ethnic minority—all of these left a lasting impression on me.


Gordon:   When did you serve as Director European Center of Communication and Culture in Warsaw and what was the primary topic that you addressed?            


Fr. Robert: In the years 2007-2013, I served as the Director of the ECCC, located on the outskirts of Warsaw. My primary responsibilities included Organizing workshops for journalists and bishops from Central and Eastern Europe, developing the retreat house, and establishing a prayer center for the local population. Additionally, I contributed to the overall infrastructure development of the center.


Gordon:  When did you serve as Administrative Director e Jesuit House and the Sanctuary of our  Lady of Graces - Patroness of Warsaw and what were you primary responsibilities?


Fr. Robert: The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy is located in the heart of Old Town Warsaw. My work there focused on caring for the sanctuary, conducting worship services, ministering in the confessional, and providing specific pastoral care for those seeking a spouse.


Gordon:   When did you serve as Technical Editor at Studia Bobolanum and what did you enjoy most about your work? 


Fr. Robert: When my superiors transferred me to the college in Warsaw in 2018, I became fully engaged in the work at the Catholic Academy in Warsaw run by Jesuits. This involves developing the institution, advancing the scholarly journal Studia Bobolanum, and contributing to the Institute of Social Sciences and the Scientific Publishing House. The work is incredibly fascinating because we are nurturing an institution that affiliates with numerous diocesan and religious spiritual seminaries and other theological centers across Poland. We fulfill both state and Church requirements. Although it requires significant effort, the result is that students graduating from our institution—laypeople, religious and clergy—receive qualifications recognized in European countries and worldwide, honored also by Church institutions.


Gordon:    When did you serve as Director Scientific Publishing House Collegium Bobolanum and what is   one of your most memorable publications?


Fr. Robert: Among the published scientific and textbook works, one stands out: an occasion-specific position written by Italian professor Gianni La Bella: Jesuits: From Vatican II to Pope Francis. The Era of Turbulent Processes—A Challenge for the Church. This position, translated from Italian, allows for a deeper understanding of the issues and phenomena that have occurred worldwide, within the Church, and in the Society of Jesus over the past 60 years.


Gordon:   You have served at several colleges what were they and what are some of the courses that you addressed?


Fr. Robert: As a lecturer, I teach courses in moral theology, Catholic social teaching, research methodology, information technology, and various thematic seminars. I also serve as a supervisor for master’s theses in theology and bachelor’s theses in political science. During classes with students, the most exciting moments occur when young minds expand their horizons of thinking and learn critical reasoning beyond conventional patterns. It is incredibly rewarding to observe how, in an atmosphere of faith and respect for the Church, students acquire knowledge and skills to contribute to making the world a better place.


Gordon:   What are some of the human rights challenges Poland has faced and how have they been or are  they  being addressed?


Fr. Robert: Currently in Poland, we observe significant political divisions and highly antagonistic stances between two opposing political blocs. Instead of working for the common good, parties primarily focus on strengthening their own positions and combating opponents. Unfortunately, this intense atmosphere of tribal divisions diminishes the political culture, affecting the entire society and hindering the country’s development. The Catholic Church strives to influence these processes and impact society by conveying the teachings of the Church. In this endeavor, I also play my small part.


Gordon:  Thank you for an exceptional interview

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