Eighty two years old Fr. Stanisław Szmidt SDB, Salesian Fathers, author of the song “Barka” died. The “Barka” song was one of the favorite songs of St. John Paul II. Funeral ceremonies will take place on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at noon in the Holy Mary, Help of Christians Church at 34 Wodna Street, Łódź
The priest died in his 66thyear of religious vows and the 56thyear of the priesthood. Fr. Stanisław Szmidt SDB, was born in 1936 in Łódź. He was the author of many religious songs. The most famous one is the song “Barge” (The Lord once stood on the shore) – one of the favorite songs of John Paul II. The song “Barge” written by Fr. Szmidt in 1974 or 1975 was created as a loose translation from the Latin American archetype. Other well-known songs written by Fr. Szmidt include, among others, “Hear Mother of God voice” or “Give us a big heart”. Salesian Fathers recall, late Fr. Szmidt as one who had a gift of very expressive and moving words. He wrote a lot of letters and email correspondence. Late Fr. Szmidt knew many languages.
For many years, at vacation time, he was providing his pastoral help in Germany. He was very dedicated educator and lecturer at Salesian seminars. He loved missions, although he never served as a missionary Father. However, he collected information about them, prepared exhibitions, spiritually supported missionaries, raised missionary spirit among young Salesians, and also among children and young students from various Salesian’s schools.
