In 1732 Saint Alphonsus de Liguori founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), writes Father Matthew Bonk, pictured below, March 23, Feast of Blessed Dominik Trčka (1886 – 1959). Inspired by the words of Psalm 130:7, “With the Lord there is mercy and plentiful redemption,” Saint Alphonsus sent out men as itinerant preachers and zealous missionaries.
As the Congregation spread outside of Italy to the rest of Europe, one such young man from the Czech Republic was inspired to join this band of preachers in Poland in 1902. The young man’s name was Dominik Trčka, also known by his religious name, Metod (Methodius in English).
As he served the Church in preaching missions, he also helped to establish Redemptorist communities for those in the Eastern Rite. He proclaimed the Good News of Redemption and heard many confessions to welcome sinners back to unity with the Body of Christ.
He served mainly in the territory known at the time as Czechoslovakia. When the communists took over this area, many of the religious were harassed and arrested. They arrested Blessed Dominik in 1950. He, and other religious, were tortured, interrogated and given minimal supplies to survive. In 1959, Dominik died of pneumonia while in solitary confinement. He was being punished for singing Christmas carols the previous December.
Pope Saint John Paul II declared Dominik a martyr in 2001. In November of that year, he was declared Blessed (Beatified). A joyful missionary to the people, he was hated by the atheist communists because he offered hope of redemption, even in the midst of political oppression. He helped to bridge the gap between the Eastern rites and the West. He worked for unity and the salvation of souls. This cost him his life at the age of 72, abandoned in prison. Blessed Dominik pray for us that we may be joyful witnesses to the Redeemer.
Blessed Dominik has much to teach Catholics in our time. As we watch the world reject Jesus and His message of Redemption, we are also called to be joyful witnesses. As wars, politics, and division surround us, we can also be peacemakers in the Holy Spirit and celebrate even in our sufferings. Blessed Dominik, pray for us that we may be joyful disciples of the Redeemer.
• Father Matthew Bonk is a native of Michigan native and a graduate of Michigan State University who served as a Redemptorist priest for nearly two decades — including work at the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints — is now incardinated in the Diocese of Lansing, where he serves as pastor of Saint John Vianney Parish (with Saint Mary Church) in Flint.
