Our First Bishop

                                                         Father Franciszek Hodur (April 1, 1866 - Feb. 16, 1953) ​

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                                                                                                Early Life

• Francis Hodur was born near Krakow, Poland. He was one of seven children in a poor family.

• While preparing for the priesthood at the Jagiellonian University, he was an exceptional student.

• He emigrated to the U.S. in 1893. That same year, he was ordained as a priest.

• On the 14th of March 1897, Father Hodur became pastor of St. Stanislaus Cathedral, Scranton, PA.

• On Sept 29, 1907, Father Hodur was consecrated as bishop by the Old Catholic Church bishops in Utrecht, Holland

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                                                                                                His Beliefs

• Father Hodur was devoted to Christianity, and believed that Christ’s ideals should be lived by everyone. He sought to promote the human dignity of the Polish people.

• Love for the Polish people led him to encourage their unity in God and loyalty to America while maintaining deep respect for Poland.

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                                                                     Accomplishments as a Church Leader

• Composed the “Confession of Faith” and “The Eleven Great Principles”

• Published the first church newspaper, Straz, in 1897.

• Visited Poland 18 times to teach the beliefs of the Polish National Catholic Church.

• Organized the Polish National Union, Spojnia (A Christian Fraternal Organization) .

• Created a home for the aged and a camp for the children and youth.

• Published the current Church newspaper, “God’s Field” (Rola Boża), in 1923.