Father Walter Ciszek (1904-84) is likely to be one the 20th century's finest American priests --ever. If you don't believe me read John Levko's "Chained, but Free: How Walter Ciszek gained spiritual liberation in Lubyanka prison." If you still don't believe my assertion, read Ciszek's With God in Russia and He Leadeth Me. Still lacking the same conviction that I have proposed, then you are hopeless. Father Walter Ciszek is not great because he survived 23 years of Soviet prison life; he's the finest American priest's of the 20th century because he allowed God to use his humanity and the Soviet prison to point to someone greater: Jesus Christ.
The Levko piece is a terrific testament to a life completely in communion with God. The article is too complicated to be digested here so you'll have to read it for yourself. Enjoy it, but spend some time thinking and praying about what you've read.
You can read Father Jim Martin's piece on Father Ciszek here.
Here's the Ciszek Prayer League site.
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