Roszynski was born in 1962 in Nidzica, diocese of Warmia, Poland.

After completing his studies at the major Seminary of the Society of the Divine Word in Pieniezno, he was ordained a priest for the same religious Congregation on April 30th 1989.

Roszynski replaces Bishop Tony Burgess who died in October 2013.

After his ordination, he served in a number of pastoral and academic roles:

• 1989-1991: Parish Ministry in Pieniezno, Poland
• 1991-1992: Study of the English language in Maynooth, Ireland
• 1992-2014: Missionary in the Diocese of Wewak,
• 1992-1993: Vice-pastor in Kunjingini
• 1993-1994: Studies at the Divine Word University - Melanesian Culture Course and Diploma in Human Resource Management
• 1994-2000: Pastor in Warabung
• 1996-1997: Studies at the Divine Word University - Counselling skills
• 1997-2002: Pastor in the district of Wirui
• 2001-2010 Member of the Provincial Council of the Divine Word Missionaries in Papua New Guinea
• 2002-2014: Pastor in the district of Wewak
• 2005-2008: Superior of the Divine Word of Wewak District
• 2009-2010: temporary Provincial Superior of the Divine Word in Papua New Guinea
• 2010-2014: Superior of the Divine Word of Wewak District
• 2013-2014: Member of the Commissions created by the Apostolic Administrator for the management of finances and for the pastoral care of the vacant.

The Diocese of Wewak has a population of some 367,000, with 224,000 Catholics. They are served by about 40 priests and 90 religious.

At present Divine Word Missionaries work in the archdioceses of Madang, Mount Hagen and Port Moresby, and in the diceses of Wewak, Kundiawa, Wabag and Goroka.

Divine Word Missionary Bishops now serve in Madang, Kundiawa, Wabag, Goroka, and two in Mount Hagan.

Source

• Zenit
• Catholic Reporter PNG
• Agenzia fides
• svdmissions.org
• Image: photos.wikimapia.org

Arriving in 1973 he was sent to Karaitem near Lumi in the Torrecelli Mountains. Lumi was a large government station and the parish was under the care of Franciscan Fr. Tom Ritchie. When Tom had to return to Australia for some months following the death of his father, Tony cared for both Lumi and Karaitem.

Later on he was appointed to Wassisi in the Nuku district. Wassisi is an important station on the junction of the road between Nuku and Wewak. With the collapse of airlines all the supplies for the missionaries and government had to pass through Wassisi.

Tony's business and bookkeeping skills all came to the fore. He built a large bulk store for all who needed supplies, especially the mission stations. He did not neglect his parish duties. He kept a record of every village visited and made sure none were neglected.

Bishop Brian Barnes of Aitape appointed Tony to his Council with particular responsibility for Finance. He later became the Vicar General of the diocese.

When the tsunami hit the Aitape coast in 1998 it virtually wiped out three large villages. Tony was a key figure in the resettlement of survivors.

In 2000 he was named Auxiliary Bishop of Wewak and was appointed Bishop of the diocese two years later.

When he got sick a couple of years ago and went to Sydney for tests On his return to Papua New Guinea at the end of last year he received the award of "Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu" from the Governor General.

In July this year Tony, having reached the age of 75, Tony handed in his letter or resignation to the Pope. He had hoped to stay in the diocese until his replacement was appointed, but in September this ill health made it necessary for to return to Australia for good.

Tony's funeral will take place at St Mary's Cathedral Sydney next Wednesday, 30th October, at 10.30am.

Source

• Fr. Greg Bourke
  
• Anne Benjamin
  
• Image: Supplied - Fr Giorgio Licini