Father Jan Kaczkowski's Children's Day

The measure of our humanity is relationships

Rev. Jan Kaczkowski

Father Jan Kaczkowski — a charismatic clergyman and an ordinary man. Marked by an incurable disease, a self-proclaimed “oncocelebrity” who fought for others for dignity and humanity.

Children's Day — diagnosis of illness, childhood memories, symbolic birth for eternity. A metaphorical term that in the film focuses attention on love for other people, sick and lost, on love for family, for parents and for God. It is also a film about the need to love and be loved. Constructed from unknown archives, a true portrait of an extraordinary man.

Fr Jan Kaczkowski — JOHNNY, was born on July 19, 1977 in Gdynia. He graduated in philosophical and theological studies at the Gdańsk Seminary, and in 2007 he obtained a doctorate in theological sciences at the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw. Already at that time he was particularly interested in bioethics and ethical aspects of accompanying seriously ill and dying people.

The biography of Fr Kaczkowski is the story of a priest who was not afraid of questions about the meaning of suffering, life and death.

He dedicated his priestly life to the service of the sick and dying. He was convinced that it was there, in the presence of suffering, that true humanity and the meaning of the priesthood were born. He always tried to be close to those whom others often avoided or feared. He was the founder and director of the hospice. He gave lectures, meetings, retreats, and his words reached people regardless of their worldview. For many, he was someone who helped find meaning in seemingly hopeless situations. Invariably admired by believers and non-believers. He won people over with his authenticity and his courage to speak the truth. His presence and way of being broke barriers and prejudices.

He died on March 28, 2016 at the age of 38 from glioma of the brain. Despite his serious illness, he never abandoned his vocation. On the contrary, until the last moments he remained active and engaged in the lives of others.