With sadness we would like to share with you the news that, having lived 88 years of life, 65 years of priesthood and 54 years in Religious life, at 3:10 am this morning, Fr. Jan Sadowski OMI passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto.

"We will keep alive the memory of our deceased and not fail to pray for them…" (C.43)

Biographical Note

Fr. Jan Sadowski, OMI was born on October 23, 1937, in Rawa Mazowiecka, Poland. He completed his elementary and secondary education in his hometown before entering theological studies in Warsaw. From 1954 to 1959, he studied philosophy and theology at the Major Seminary in Warsaw, while also attending the Faculty of Theology of the Catholic Theological Academy. He was ordained to the diaconate on December 19, 1959, and to the priesthood on June 26, 1960, in Warsaw.

Following his ordination, Fr. Sadowski served for a decade as a parish vicar in the Archdiocese of Warsaw, ministering successively in Kolbiel (1960–1962), Łomianki (1962–1964), Poświętne (1964–1966), Piastów (1966), and Wysokienice (1967–1970). During the academic year 1959–1960, he also served as prefect at the Parish of the Most Holy Savior in Warsaw.

In 1970, Fr. Sadowski entered the novitiate of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate at Święty Krzyż, completing it in 1971. He made his perpetual vows on July 28, 1973, in Lubliniec, formally committing his life to the Oblate charism. As an Oblate, he continued pastoral ministry as a vicar in Gorzów Wielkopolski (1971–1973), then served as hospital chaplain in Lubliniec (1973–1978), and later as associate pastor in Wrocław (1978–1980). In 1980, he undertook further studies in Paris, France.

That same year marked the beginning of a major chapter in his missionary life, when Fr. Sadowski was sent to Madagascar. After language preparation in Mahanoro (1980–1981), he served as a missionary in the Diocese of Tamatave, working in Marolambo (1981–1985), Mahanoro (1985–1986), Tamatave (1986–1989), and Ambinanindrano (1989–1990). He also dedicated himself to formation, serving as a formator at the Major Seminary in Diego Suarez (1990–1992) and later in the Oblate scholasticate in Antananarivo, remaining in Madagascar until February 1993. His missionary service included responsibilities as assistant novice director, contributing significantly to the early development of the Oblate mission on the island.

Upon returning to Europe, Fr. Sadowski served as associate pastor at St. Theresa Parish in Siedlce (1993–1994) and as chaplain to the Sisters of St. Elizabeth in Katowice (1994–1995). From 1995 to 1997, he ministered to the Polonia in France as associate pastor at St. Stanislaus Parish in Calonne-Ricouart, France.

In 1997, Fr. Sadowski was assigned to Canada, where he served as associate pastor at St. Hyacinth (Św. Jacek) Parish in Ottawa, beginning on July 1, 1997. After years of pastoral ministry there, he was assigned in 2009 to St. Casimir’s Parish in Toronto, Ontario, where he continued his priestly service to the Polish Catholic community. He remained at St. Casimir’s Parish until his full retirement, after which he transferred to Copernicus Lodge.

Having lived 88 years of life, 65 years of priesthood, and 54 years of religious life, Fr. Jan Sadowski, OMI, passed away peacefully at 3:10 a.m. on January 3, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Faithful to the end in his vocation as a priest, religious, missionary, and formator, Fr. Jan Sadowski leaves behind a legacy of quiet dedication, pastoral generosity, and missionary zeal.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace. Amen.