Newly-ordained Fr Bialek goes home to celebrate his first Mass
Fr Blazej Bialek from Ballon with his family following his recent ordination
FOR the first time in over 50 years, the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon celebrated a newly-ordained priest’s first Mass as the community celebrated with Fr Błażej Białek.
The Bialek family, originally from Poland, have been living in The Oaks, Ballon since 2000, so it was fitting that Błażej held his first Mass in his home parish following his ordination on Saturday 6 July at St Saviour’s Church, Dublin.
Fr Bialek (33) attended primary school in Holy Family Boys NS, followed by his secondary education in St Mary’s CBS. He then studied law in UCD, followed by a Master’s in Law at Trinity College, Dublin.
While employed at one of Dublin’s top law firms, Błażej made the decision to study for the priesthood with the Dominican Order in Dublin. His lifelong interest in history and philosophy was further enhanced over his six years of study.
Błażej, along with two others, was ordained at St Saviour’s Church in Dublin by Archbishop Joseph Augustine Di Noia OP.
At his first Mass in Ballon, Błażej was joined by Bishop Denis Nulty and many clergy from the Dominican Order and the diocese. It was a wonderful occasion for his family, his parents Tomasz and Monika, his sisters, extended family and the wider community. In fact, many travelled from countries such as Poland, France and Sweden to be part of such a special occasion for Błażej.
“The community had a reception after the Mass, which was very nice,” said Błażej’s dad Tomasz.
“His sister came from Sweden with her husband and children, and my brother came from France with his family so we had family from everywhere. It was a lovely occasion,” he added.
The last time a first Mass was celebrated in Ballon was by Fr Willie O’Byrne, Ballykealey on 7 June 1970.
