Father Czeslaw M. Krysa, known for sharing his beloved Polish culture and traditions, died June 9, 2025. He was 70.
He was born Sept. 12, 1954, in Niagara Falls to immigrant parents Stanislaw and Sophia (Magdziak) Krysa.
He attended Holy Trinity Elementary School and Bishop Duffy High School in Niagara Falls.
Father Krysa went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Theology and Polish Studies; a master’s in Theology and Licentiate of Sacred Theology from St. Paul University, Ottawa, Canada; a master’s in Liturgical Studies from the University of Notre Dame; a Licentiate of Sacred Scripture and Sacrae Theologiae Doctor from the Pontifical International Institute of San Anselmo in Rome.
He earned his master of divinity degree from SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan.
He was ordained May 17, 1980, by Bishop Edward D. Head.
Father Krysa’s first clerical assignment brought him St. John Gualbert Parish in Cheektowaga as assistant pastor.
In 1984, he joined the staff of SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary. In 1993, he was named vice rector of SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary.
After returning to the Buffalo Diocese in 2003, he was named temporary administrator for SS. Peter & Paul in Arcade, and St. Mary in East Arcade. In 2005, he took on the added responsibilities of episcopal vicar of the Tri-County Vicariate. In October of that year, he was named pastor of SS. Peter & Paul, St. Mary, as well as Blessed Sacrament in Delevan, and Holy Family in Machias.
In 2008, he took on the added responsibilities of part-time director of the Office of Worship, a position he held until 2020. He became pastor of SS. Hyacinth & Hedwig Parish in Dunkirk June of 2008.
He was named rector of St. Casimir Oratory on May 2011. He continued serving the area as senior parochial vicar of Family of Parishes #23.
Known for his love and knowledge of Polish culture, he served on the board of the Friends of Polish Art and chair of Polish Culture at Canisius College. He was also chaplain to the Polish Scouts.
In 1984, the Polish American Journal and the Cheektowaga Polish American Festival Committee named Father Krysa as Citizen of the Year. He also received the Oskar Kolberg Award in Ethnography from the Polish Ministry of Culture in Warsaw, Poland.
He authored several articles on Polish traditions, as well as two books “Polish American Ways” and “Wigilia – The Vigil Supper.”
A Mass for Father Krysa’s intentions will take place Thursday, June 12, at 10 a.m., at St. Casimir Church, 160 Cable St., Buffalo.
Source: wnycatholic.org
Fr. Czeslaw Krysa made significant contributions to SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary, particularly in the areas of liturgical arts, Polish tradition, and priestly formation. As a faculty member, he helped guide seminarians in understanding the deep connection between faith and culture. His expertise in Polish folk customs and religious rituals enriched the seminary’s curriculum, ensuring that future priests were well-versed in the traditions of Polish Catholicism.
Beyond teaching, Fr. Krysa authored books and conducted workshops on religious practices, helping seminarians and the broader Polish-American community rediscover their spiritual heritage. His work extended to liturgical celebrations and sacred arts, where he emphasized the importance of ritual in Catholic identity. His dedication to preserving and promoting Polish Catholic traditions earned him several honors, including the Michigan Heritage Award and the Oskar Kolberg Award for ethnographic contributions.
