Prime Bishop Franciszek Hodur

(1866-1953)

• Francis Hodur was born near Krakow, Poland, one of seven children in a poor family
• While preparing for the priesthood at the Jagiellonian University, he was an exceptional student
• He emigrated to the U.S. in 1893. That same year, he was ordained a priest
• On the 14th of March 1897, Father Hodur became pastor of St. Stanislaus Cathedral, Scranton, PA.
• On September 29, 1907, Father Hodur was consecrated a bishop by Old Catholic Bishops in Utrecht, Holland

His beliefs

• Bishop Hodur was devoted to Christianity, and believed that Christ's ideas should be lived by eveyone. He sought to promote the human dignity of Polish people
• Love for the Polish people led him to enouraage their unity in God and loyalty to America while maintaining deep respect for Poland

Accomplishments as a Church Leader

• Composed the "Confession of Faith" and the "Eleven Great Principles"
• Published the first church newspaper, Straz, in 1897
• Visited Poland 18 times to teach the beliefs of the Polish National Catholic Church
• Organized the Polish National Union (a Christian fraternal organization), a home for the aged and a camp for the children and youth
• Published the present Church newspaper, "God's Field" (Rola Boza), in 1923