catholic priest, superior general of the Marianie order in the years 1993-2000, editor-in-chief of the “Tygodnik Powszechny” religious magazine between 1999-2011. He studied philosophy at the Catholic University of Lublin. He also studied at the Paris Catholic Institute.. Since 1964 linked with Tygodnik Powszechny. In 1979, at the request of John Paul II, he prepared Polish edition of the daily paper L’Osservatore Romano and became editor-in-chief of that magazine. He is the author of several publications and books, i.e. Rozmowy niedokończone, Notes rzymski, and Kalendarium Życia Karola Wojtyły.
 

(selected excerpts from interview)

WHO IS HE?

„ (…) I regard myself as a man on journey (…)”

Hierarchy of values

People have rules, which at times of trial, they sometimes tend to break. We are not consistent in what we do. It is important to know it. The values are needed for there to be something for us to return to, to refer to. Without a thought-out order, without a hierarchy of values, it’s easy to get entangled completely, while acting under pressure of current events, ad hoc situations. Urgent matters oust important matters at those times, when we do not realize, what really matters.

Do not waste opportunities

In difficult situations we learn the truth about ourselves. Own, idealised self-portrait becomes revised. Just line surprising situations, which tend to verify us, e.g. occasions for doing something vile unpunished, some meanness that nobody sees, that no one shall know about. Other times, it’s also true to say, that situations like these can make a hero out of us all the sudden, and our crystal clean nobility comes out to the light. It is important to treat every single situation as a task. Also, in a way, as a work of art, as creating something, which has never before in the history of the universe come to being. There wouldn’t be me, without a situation just like this. There is a clean sheet of paper, there is clay to be sculptured. After all, a work of art can be produced out of a man’s life. Unfortunately, there is a lot of opportunities, which we tend to squander.

Happiness

– What is it all about in this life, Father?

– It’s just all about happiness.