Marian Żelazek

Marian Żelazek (30 January 1918 – 30 April 2006) was a Polish Roman Catholic priest of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) who lived in India and served amongst the people of Orissa. He is remembered for his service and care towards the lepers in the region. He was the last foreign missionary of the SVD congregation in India. He was declared Servant of God on 25 August 2018.

Early life Marian Żelazek was born on 30 January 1918 in Paledzie, Poznan, Poland to Mr. Stanislaw and Mrs. Stanislawa. He joined the Society of the Divine Word in 1937. He made his first profession as a member of the society on 4 September 1939. He completed his philosophy in Poland and Theology from Pontifical Athenaeum of Saint Anselm. BBC broadcast a 45-minute video documentary titled “The New Face of Leprosy”.