His early life:

• Born near Krakow, Poland, one of seven children in a poor family
• Studied for the priesthood at the Jagiellonian University and noted as an exceptional student
• Emigrated to the United States in 1893 and ordained to the priesthood that same year.
• Called by the people and made pastor of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr Cathedral in Scranton, PA March 14, 1897
• Consecrated Bishop on September 29, 1907

Among his many accomplishments:

• Composed the Confession of Faith and the Eleven Great Principals of the PNCC
• Published the first church newspaper, Straż, in 1897
• Visited Poland 18 times to teach the beliefs of the PNCC
• Organized the Polish National Union, a home for the aged, and a camp for children and youth
• Ordained more than 200 priests, consecrated 9 bishops, baptized more than 4,000 children, performed over 1,700 marriages, spoke 6 languages, wrote 17 books, published 2 newspapers, composed three hymns, left no material wealth, but bequeathed a spiritual legacy that will never die.