EP 35: A Saint Who Refused to Be Forgotten with Father Chris Korcz

What happens when a Catholic parish is nearly closed — and a 17th-century martyr intervenes?In this special on-location episode of The Engage Parish Podcast, brought to you by eCatholic, we sit down with Father Chris Korcz, pastor of the Shrine of St. Andrew Bobola in Dudley, Massachusetts — the only shrine dedicated to this remarkable saint in the entire United States.Father Chris shares the full story of how three providential signs during a moment of crisis — a mysterious phone call from Chicago, an unexpected inheritance, and a miraculous healing from cancer during the first-ever novena — led him to ask his bishop to elevate this struggling parish to a diocesan shrine. On May 11, 2025, that became a reality.In this episode, you'll hear:The history and martyrdom of St. Andrew Bobola, a 17th-century Jesuit who died for his faithHow St. Andrew has appeared and interceded throughout history — and why he's making himself known againThe three signs Father Chris received that changed the course of his parishThe story of a parishioner healed from colon cancer during the first novenaHow you can visit, join the anniversary celebrations this May, or watch via live streamResources including a new book and papal encyclical on St. Andrew Bobola🗓️ First Anniversary Celebrations — May 2025:Novena: May 1–3 & May 8–10 (featuring Fr. Mitch Pacwa from EWTN)Feast Day Mass: May 16 at noon (celebrant: Bishop Robert McManus, Diocese of Worcester)Polish-language celebration: May 17All celebrations available via live stream at standrewbobola.com📖 Resources mentioned:The Apparitions of St. Andrew Bobola After His Death — available in English & Polish at standrewbobola.comInvicti Athletae— Encyclical by Pope Pius XII, also available at the shrine website