– Military chaplaincy is a tremendous challenge. A priest serves God, while a soldier serves society. These two roles are extremely difficult and demanding, and military chaplaincy combines both of them – said division commander Major General Jarosław Mika during a ceremonial formation on the parade square. The general also emphasized other qualities of the major: – There is much that can be said about the chaplain; such warmth radiates from him, something that encouraged people to go to church and devote themselves to prayer. During these several years of demanding priestly service, as well as service as a professional soldier, he was always someone one could turn to for advice or help, or ask for support—not only here in the country, but also on peacekeeping missions, in which the priest participated several times with the 10th Brigade and other units.
The commander of 10BKPanc, Colonel Maciej Jabłoński, emphasized that Major Rafał Kaproń was always among the soldiers of 10BKPanc, in the brigade’s ranks and working with the brigade to achieve the goals set by his superiors: – You were always close to the soldiers; you did not observe us from the outside, but actively participated in the life of the brigade. For all of this, please accept from us a letter of appreciation and the brigade symbol—our Leopard—to remind you of us and direct your thoughts and prayers toward us.
Major Rafał Kaproń, who has been connected with Świętoszów since 2011, addressed the soldiers gathered on the parade square: – I would like to thank you all for what you show through your attitude and your lives—that you come to this church with your families and offer prayers to God before this altar.
He also assured them: – Believe me, every day in prayer I pray for you and your families, asking God to protect you. I want to tell you today that although I am leaving and will no longer serve as parish priest in Świętoszów, I will continue to pray for you.
The farewell ceremony for the chaplain was also attended by the dean of the Land Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Grzegorz Krupski, who wished Major Kaproń success in his further pastoral work and a soldier’s good fortune. The chaplain celebrated a farewell Mass at the Military Roman Catholic Parish of Saint Florian in Świętoszów and entrusted the faithful to his successor, Lieutenant Michał Zieliński.
Major Rafał Kaproń has been connected with the Polish military practically since childhood, as he comes from a military family. Father Rafał’s father served in the army as commander of the military fire brigade at a now-defunct fighter aviation regiment in Debrzno. From 1999, Rafał studied at the Military University of Technology. In 2003, he was ordained a priest in the Military Ordinariate of the Polish Armed Forces. From August 2003 to December 2004, he was chaplain of the 34th Armored Cavalry Brigade and vicar of the military parish in Żagań, dedicated to Our Lady, Protectress of the Polish Soldier. From January 2005, he served as chaplain of the Independent Air Assault Group during a mission in the Republic of Iraq. In September 2005, he began his priestly ministry as parish priest of the military parish of Saint John Bosco in Głogów and chaplain of the Głogów, Legnica and Leszno garrisons. For one year, from May 2010 to May 2011, Father Rafał participated in a mission in Afghanistan as chaplain of the 7th, 8th and 14th rotations of the Polish Military Contingent. During the 8th and 14th rotations, he served in Afghanistan alongside soldiers from Świętoszów, who were then the main component of the contingent. From September 1, 2011, by decree of His Excellency Father Józef Guzdek, Bishop of the Polish Armed Forces, he was appointed parish priest of the Parish of Saint Florian in Świętoszów and chaplain of the Świętoszów garrison. Rev. Maj. Rafał Kaproń will serve as a priest at the Military-Civil Parish under the invocation of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Poznań.
Capt. Adriana Wołyńska