The Marian Martyrs of Rosica

68 The Marian Martyrs of Rosica created a true family atmosphere. It was reflected in our com- munal evening leisure activities in the refectory during the win- ter, or outdoors under the famous linden tree on the bank of the Dvina River in other seasons, or when we played volleyball together. Father George was always present. During the afternoon break in our classes, we performed physical work. The monastery in Druja had a big farm which partly supported the high school. Father George induced us to work there and worked with us himself. The educational agenda of Fr. George included prayer, the Sacraments, participation in the Holy Mass, exposure to spiri- tual leadership, and common participation in leisure and work. He was trying to help the religious community through his physical labor. He was never reluctant to do any work. When the war forced him to go to Skorzec (at that time I was a novice there), while enjoying the hospitality under such difficult condi- tions, he took to physical labor. He devoted his free time to chop- ping wood so as not to be a burden to the monastery. There is similar testimony from some witnesses in Rosica who saw him performing physical labor. He tried to earn his keep with his own hands. Father George was calm and serene. He could only do good deeds. At the same time, he was not very courageous. He was very much afraid of the Bolsheviks. He ran from them on foot from Rasna near Brest on the Bug River to Skorzec near Siedlce and then, when they approached Siedlce, he kept flee- ing all the way to Lithuania. In 1938-39, I was in the novitiate together with Fr. Anthony Leszczewicz in Skorzec. I was a high-school graduate and he was a priest with 25 years of experience as a missionary in Harbin, Manchuria, working among Polish emigrants. He was quiet, calm, and helpful. I can see him even today in a white apron, smiling and joyous. He was serving us young boys in the refectory. To serve others, to serve with joy, was his first prin- ciple. He left his parish in Harbin and joined the Marians because he saw their work at the mission there.