Adam Bargielski was a Polish Catholic priest born in 1903 in Kalinowo. After studying canon law in Strasbourg, he served in various Polish parishes. During the Second World War, he voluntarily took the place of another individual, Klemens Sawicki, who had been detained by the Gestapo. This decision led to his imprisonment in concentration camps, including Soldau and Dachau, where he was eventually killed by a guard in 1942.
Life and service
Following his education in Łomża, Bargielski entered the diocesan seminary in 1925 and was ordained in 1929. He initially served as a vicar in Poznań before pursuing legal studies in France. Upon returning to Poland, he worked as a parish priest until the outbreak of war. His commitment to others was demonstrated when he offered himself to the authorities to secure the release of a fellow prisoner.
Imprisonment and death
While held in the Dachau concentration camp, Bargielski faced severe restrictions that prevented him from performing religious rites or using liturgical items. Despite these hardships, he remained dedicated to supporting his fellow inmates. He died in November 1942 at the hands of a camp guard, and his remains were cremated at the site.
Veneration
He is recognized as a saint and is included among the 108 Martyrs of World War II. Pope John Paul II beatified him in Warsaw on June 13, 1999. The Catholic Church commemorates him with a feast day on June 12.