Polish Catholic priests in Belarus denied renewal of ministry permits

A Polish Roman Catholic priest in Belarus. Photo: Katolik.life

On July 2, Polish Roman Catholic clergy whose permits to minister in Belarus were not extended began leaving the country or suspending their religious activities, according to Katolik.life.

Among those affected is Fr. Marian Shershen, dean of the Stolbtsy Deanery, who served in Belarus for 36 years. He was the parish priest in Naliboki, helped restore the local church, and was highly respected by the faithful. After authorities declined to renew his permit, however, he was forced to leave the country quietly.

According to local Catholics, Fr. Lech Bachanek, who has ministered in Belarus for more than 25 years, was also denied an extension of his permit. Some Polish priests are reportedly planning to apply for Belarusian citizenship in order to remain in the country, as citizens do not require a separate permit to carry out pastoral ministry.

While their existing permits expire and citizenship applications remain unresolved, the priests are compelled to suspend their religious work and avoid public appearances. The publication notes that there have already been cases in which Polish priests were denied Belarusian citizenship after many years of service in the country.

Another cleric expected to leave Belarus is Fr. Bogusław Madziejewski, dean of the Myadel Deanery and parish priest in Svir. In addition, faithful in the Grodno Diocese recently bid farewell to Fr. Zbigniew Dragula of the Michaelite order, a Polish priest who had served in Belarus for 27 years.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that representatives of the Roman Catholic Church had criticized measures aimed at deporting migrants from the European Union.

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