Bishop Albin Małysiak, CM (1917-2011), was a Polish priest, member of the Congregation of the Mission, whose life was marked by pastoral, academic, and humanitarian service. During World War II, he risked his life to protect Jewish refugees, being recognized in 1993 by Yad Vashem (Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust) as a “Righteous Among the Nations.” After the war, he earned a doctorate in Dogmatic Theology, directed centers for disadvantaged youth, and became the auxiliary bishop of Kraków in 1970, consecrated by then-Cardinal Karol Wojtyła (future Pope John Paul II). His life and work reflect a profound commitment to faith and justice.

Early Life and Education

Albin Małysiak was born on June 12, 1917, in Kocoń, near Żywiec, Southern Poland. He came from a merchant family and showed promise early on, prompting his father to enroll him in 1928 at the Vincentian Fathers’ Minor Seminary in Kraków. Here, Małysiak began his secondary education next to the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, a site that would later face Nazi occupation and repurposing during World War II. In 1932, he transferred to the Vincentian seminary on Savior’s Mountain in Vilnius (then in Poland), continuing his spiritual and Vincentian formation. He returned to Kraków for his final high school years at the Vincentian Mother House, the headquarters of the Kraków Province.

Formation and Ordination in Wartime

Upon graduation, Małysiak joined the Congregation of the Mission and pursued theological studies at the Vincentian Theological Institute in Kraków. He took his vows on April 12, 1936. When World War II broke out, the seminary moved to the Kleparz House after the Stradom residence was seized by Nazis. This disruption delayed his ordination until May 1, 1941, when Bishop Stanisław Rospond ordained him at the St. Vincent de Paul Church in Kraków.

Worl War II and Acts of Heroism

As a newly ordained priest, Małysiak served in Zembrzyce parish near Wadowice, where he established a soup kitchen to aid poor children and displaced persons. In 1942, he returned to Kraków as chaplain at the Helclów House, a care institution managed by the Daughters of Charity. Here, he provided shelter and forged identification documents for five Jewish refugees (Katarzyna Styczeń, Helena Kachel, Henryk Juański, Zbigniew Kozanowski and a fifth man, whose identity remains unknown), risking his life to protect them during the Holocaust. They received baptismal certificates and other documents verifying their supposed “Aryan” origin. They were also supplied with food, medicines, and clothing. Although other residents were aware of the hiding, no one reported it to the Germans. When the Nazis took control of the Helclów House in 1944, Małysiak and the residents managed to move the Jewish refugees safely to private homes in Szczawnica.

In 1993, Małysiak was awarded the “Righteous Among the Nations” medal by Yad Vashem, in recognition of his efforts to protect Jewish lives during the war. This award ceremony took place at the Israeli Embassy in Warsaw. Later, in 2007, the Polish President presented him with the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta for his wartime heroism.

Academic and Pastoral Work Post-War

After the war, Małysiak continued his education, earning a master’s degree in Theology from Jagiellonian University in 1950 and a doctorate in Dogmatic Theology in 1952. He directed the Siemaszko Institution, a center for disadvantaged boys in Kraków, until it was nationalized. He also taught Dogmatic Theology at the Vincentian Theological Institute. In 1959, Małysiak became pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Kraków, establishing a significant ministry for students in the area.

Episcopal Ministry and Legacy

On January 14, 1970, Małysiak was appointed auxiliary bishop of Kraków and titular bishop of Beatia. He was consecrated by Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, later Pope John Paul II, on April 5, 1970. His episcopal motto, “Ave Maria,” reflected his Marian devotion. As vicar general, he oversaw religious orders, catechetical programs, and economic matters in the Archdiocese. His leadership was instrumental during papal visits to Poland.

In recognition of his lifelong dedication to the Church and country, Małysiak received several state honors, including the Grand Cross of the Order of Rebirth of Poland in 2010 for his service in the Polish Church and his significant social and pastoral contributions.

Later Years and Passing

In October 2007, Małysiak was honored with the title “Episcopus Nestor” as the oldest member of the Polish Episcopate. He remained active in various committees even after his retirement in 1993, dedicating his life to the Church and its people until his passing on July 16, 2011. His funeral was held at Wawel Cathedral, and he was laid to rest in Salwator Cemetery in Kraków.

Bishop Albin Małysiak’s life exemplifies a profound commitment to faith, resilience during hardship, and heroic compassion for the vulnerable, leaving a lasting legacy in Poland and beyond.