A group of Polish citizens from the Silesian region of Southern Poland visited Our Lady of Czestochowa Catholic Church in Houston on June 14, 2012. Led by Monsignor Franciszek Kurzaj, better known as Father Frank, the group came to nearby Polonia Restaurant for good food, fun, music and singing. Father Frank, pastor of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in San Antonio was born in Silesia and came to America in 1986 where he served as pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Panna Maria.
Fr. Frank led the group in singing many Polish songs before, during and after the delicious meal of Polish food prepared by Polonia, Houston’s only Polish restaurant. He also invited people in the group to give impressions of their visit to Texas. Many of the Polish people were from the town of Katowice and the group included Jadwiga Woźnikowska-Skowrońska, a reporter for Polskie Radio Katowice. Jadwiga recorded most of the festivities for later broadcast in Poland. Several people representing Our Lady of Czestochowa parish were also present at the party including Fr. Mariusz.
Laura Felusiak represented the Polish community in Texas as Master of Ceremony, leading the group in games and handing out prizes. Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz, his wife Kathy and son James were present in traditional Polish folk dress. Dr. Jim entertained the group by playing old Polish songs on the concertina. James accompanied him on the bęben. Dr. Jim also presented Jadwiga with an English language copy of Notatki z podrozy (Travel Notes), a book written by Stefan Nesterowicz about his travels to Texas in 1909.
Below are a few photos of the fun and there is a slideshow of more photos on page 2. There is a music videos in the Polish Texans Video section or you can see more videos on our YouTube Channel.
Slideshow on page 2
Music Video
James Smock has always held an interest in his Polish ancestors and heritage. He is a native Houstonian with Polish roots in Bremond, Marlin and New Waverly, Texas.