Father Joseph Walijewski, at the age of 82 and a priest for 56 years, died on Tuesday, April 11, 2006, in Lima , Peru.

Father Walijewski was born on March 15, 1924, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Frank and Mary Walijewski. Father Walijewski's love and dedication to the poor started at an early age. He came from a poor family and, starting at the age of five, he sold newspapers to help with the family income. He was accepted as a seminarian candidate by the Diocese of La Crosse and undertook his seminary studies at Saint Francis Seminary in Milwaukee. He was ordained to the priesthood on April 16, 1950, at Saint Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse, by the Most Reverend John P. Treacy.

Father Walijewski's first assignment was as Temporary Assistant Pastor at Saint Paul Parish in Mosinee. In August of 1950, he was appointed as Assistant Pastor at Saint Hedwig Parish in Thorp. Almost a year later, on July 3, 1951, he was appointed as Assistant Pastor of Saint Peter Parish in Stevens Point. In 1956, Father Walijewski was released to the Most Reverend Humberto Mozzioni, Apostolic Nuncio to Bolivia, for missionary work in Bolivia. Father Walijewski founded Holy Cross Parish in Santa Cruz, Bolivia and did missionary work there for about eight years. He also spent a couple of years in Ecuador. Father Walijewski returned to the Diocese of La Crosse in 1966 and was appointed as Administrator of Saint John Parish in Heffron and Guardian Angels Parish in Almond. In 1969, he was also appointed as Adminsitrator of Saint Martin Parish in Buena Vista. In addition to his other duties, Father Walijewski was also Associate Director of the Migrant Worker Apostolate. On November 19, 1969, Father Walijewski was appointed as pastor of Saint Hedwig Parish in Thorp. In 1971, he returned to his missionary life to work in Lima, Peru. Father Walijewski made his home in Villa El Salvador, (City of the Savior) a new barrio on the outskirts of Lima. Together, with the courage, solidarity, and organization of the inhabitants of Villa El Salvador, Father Walijewski formed the first Christian communities within the shanty town, and was later named the first pastor of Villa El Salvador, founding Christ the Savior Parish and Saint Joseph's Chapel. During the Pope's 1985 visit to Peru, Father Walijewski had the opportunity to meet with Pope John Paul II and talk to him about his dream of building an orphanage for the homeless children of Peru. Pope John Paul II, touched by Father Walijewski's dedication, compassion, and vision of hope, gave him $50,000 to begin his project of providing a home and family to street children. Father Walijewski used the donation to buy five acres of land in Lurin and to start building what has now become Casa Hogr Juan Pablo II (House-Home of John Paul II). In 1986, Father Walijewski turned his pastoral duties of Christ the Savior Parish over to two young Peruvian priests, and he moved to Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II. The home started with two children and now serves 73 children. Father Walijewski ran Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II until he was granted the status of senior priest in 2000. In August of 2000, upon retiring the direction of Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II to Father Sebastian Kolodziejczyk, also from the Diocese of La Crosse, Father Walijewski moved to Chontabamba located in one of Peru 's jungle regions. There, Father Walijewski continued to serve the poor by reviving a local parish, taking Mass to indigenous populations, starting catechetical classes, opening a soup kitchen, and founding Saint Joseph's Retirement Home, which is run by Josephine sisters. Until his death, Father Walijewski continued to travel monthly between Chontabamba and Lurin serving many in need. The Diocese of La Crosse and the Diocese of Lurin mourn the loss of one so loved. Those who had the privilege to know Father Walijewski, recognize his humility and simplicity, and are very thankful to his service and selfless spirit. Throughout his life, Father Walijewski maintained a strong devotion to Saint Joseph , and a lifelong motto of his was, “I came to serve not to be served”. Father Walijewski rest in peace.

Father Walijewski is survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Lurin, in Peru, on Tuesday, April 18. Father Walijewski will be buried in the Grotto of the Assumption of Our Lady, which he built, on the hill behind Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Jerome Listecki at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph the Workman, in La Crosse, on a date to be announced.

Click here to see pictures of Father Joseph Walijewski's wake, funeral Mass, and burial.