Hilary Jastak

Who was Hilary Jastak?

Hilary Jastak – Polish Catholic priest prelate, Doctor of Theology, Chaplain of Solidarity movement, Major of Polish Armed Forces, Lieutenant Commander of Polish Navy.

In 1934, Jastak entered the Seminary in Pelplin. On June 7, 1941 in Warsaw, he was ordained as a priest by the Archbishop of Warsaw, Stanisław Gall. During the World War II, Jastak was vicar in Lubania, Józefów, Goszczyno, Sulejów, Strachówko, Gołubie and Pogódki.

In 1946, Jastak became the Chaplain of Caritas in Gdynia. On July 1949, Jastak became the provost of the newly created parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Gdynia, with whom he was associated until his death. In 1966, Jastak completed the construction of the new church.

During Polish 1970 protests, Jastak actively supported families of people killed in street battles. Ten years later, during the Strike on the Coast, at the request of the shipyard he celebrated Mass at the Gdynia shipyard. During the Martial law in Poland, Jastak actively supported the resistance movement and helped the imprisoned.

In 1991, Jastak created the Aid Scholarship Foundation, whose purpose is to promote talented young people from poor families.