The personnel changes coincided with the release of Artur Nowak’s book “The Curia”. Krzysztof Gwizdała and Artur Nowak discussed this in an interview: Secrets of the Diocese of Legnica. A new episode of Sekielski Brothers Studio featuring Krzysztof Gwizdała.
The priest dismissed as chancellor, Józef Lisowski, reportedly still had several years before retirement. He was a clergyman with an exceptionally strong position. He was described as a “gray eminence” and as “unsinkable” and “indestructible Lisowski”. It was claimed that he was an exceptionally influential figure in the Curia.
According to our contact connected with the Legnica Bishop’s Curia, the decision on the changes was made within a very small group, and the priests mentioned above only learned about it this morning. The chancellor reportedly made no secret of his outrage.
– It is interesting that the order introducing the changes was signed by the moderator of the curia, Bishop Piotr Wawrzynek, rather than by the ordinary of the Diocese of Legnica, – the informant says, pointing to the procedural aspect of the decision. – In addition, Bishop Wawrzynek should have signed it as vicar general, not as moderator of the curia, because as moderator of the curia he cannot issue decisions in the bishop’s name in this capacity. It must be something very serious, since the secretary’s first and last name do not appear in the order. This decision shows that a certain system is falling apart. Priests who considered themselves masters and serve in large parishes will be shaking with fear that if such big shots can be removed from the chessboard, those lower down can be removed all the more easily, – the informant adds.
The official statement can be found on the Curia’s website. Bishop Andrzej Siemieniewski entrusted the office of chancellor to Rev. Piotr Kruczyk, the former vice-chancellor.
Rev. Tomasz Kołodziej, dismissed as secretary, had held the position since 2022. Previously, he was prefect and then administrative director at the Major Seminary and the Curia. The former priest-secretary came from the Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary in Bolesławiec. He was ordained in 2011, and his first parish was the Parish of Our Lady of Mercy in Cieplice.
Rev. Józef Lisowski is a doctor of canon law born in 1954, a domestic prelate of His Holiness, former chancellor of the Legnica Bishop’s Curia, dean of the Cathedral Chapter, provost of the Krzeszów Chapter, member of the Priests’ Council, and academic lecturer.