A monument commemorating Father Jerzy Popiełuszko in New Britain

In 1984, Father Jerzy Popiełuszko, a courageous, outspoken ‘spiritual leader’ of Solidarity, was brutally murdered by the Security Service of the People’s Republic of Poland. His death became a symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice, mobilising the community – not only in Poland – to take action.

One night, shortly after his murder, the parishioners gathered a pile of field stones in front of St Stanislaus Kostka’s Church, where he had served, as a memorial. This gesture of solidarity and remembrance was brutally destroyed by the communist militia, who tore down the makeshift monument. However, their determination and spirit of community prevented this act of erasure from succeeding; the people resolutely rebuilt the monument, only for it to be destroyed once again.

Inspired by these events, the community in Connecticut decided to erect a monument that would not only commemorate the life and martyrdom of Father Jerzy Popiełuszko, but would also serve as a reminder that the struggle for human rights requires constant commitment and courage. Materials were used in its construction that were intended to symbolise not only the memory of Father Popiełuszko, but also the indomitable human spirit in the face of repression. To this end, a special type of steel was used, which over time develops a distinctive rust-coloured patina. This symbolises transformation and durability, reminding us that even in the face of destruction, memory and ideals can endure. The curved elements of the sculpture, reminiscent of flames, are both a symbol of resistance and of remembrance, emphasising that the ideals of freedom and justice remain ever-present, even in the face of repression.

The sculpture depicts an eternal flame, surrounded by field stones brought by people from all over the world. These stones not only form the foundation of the monument, but also symbolise individual commitment to the defence of human rights.

The monument was erected in Walnut Hill Park in New Britain in 1989 as a lasting reminder of the sacrifice of Father Popiełuszko and all those who fight for human rights. The sculpture of the eternal flame, created by Henryk Chotkowski, is dedicated to the memory of Father Popiełuszko and his unwavering faith in the power of good over evil, as emphasised by the inscription on a stone placed nearby: OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD / THIS HUMAN RIGHTS MONUMENT OF COMMON FIELD STONE / AND STEEL IS BUILT IN MEMORY OF FATHER JERZY / POPIELUSZKO, WHO GAVE HIS LIFE TO GOD AND TO THE / GOALS OF SOLIDARITY – HUMAN RIGHTS, JUSTICE, / PEACE AND FREEDOM FOR POLAND AND FOR ALL MANKIND. / MAY THIS ETERNAL FLAME OF LIBERTY AND THE MEMORY OF HIS COURAGE AND SACRIFICE BURN FOREVER / IN THE HEARTS OF ALL FREEDOM-LOVING PEOPLE. / 1947 * GOOD SHALL VANQUISH EVIL 1984 //. (Overcome evil with good. This human rights monument, made of simple fieldstone and steel, was erected in memory of Father Jerzy Popiełuszko, who gave his life to God and to the aims of Solidarity – human rights, justice, peace and freedom for Poland and for all mankind. May this eternal flame of freedom and the memory of his courage and sacrifice burn forever in the hearts of all freedom-loving people).

The following inscription is found on the monument’s plinth:

The inspiration for our human rights monument was born in Warsaw shortly after the brutal murder by the communists of Father Jerzy Popiełuszko, the courageous, outspoken spiritual leader of the Solidarity movement.
One night shortly after his murder, the people of his parish gathered a pile of field stones as a monument in front of their church. The communist police, the ‘zomos’, tore it down the next day. The following night, the people once again built a similar monument, and once again it was torn down. We here in Connecticut then decided to build an eternal flame, a monument of stone and steel that nobody would tear down. The monument was to be constructed from durable steel in the form of a flame, fuelled by ordinary field stones placed there by people to symbolise their commitment to the cause of human rights for Poland and for all humanity.
The steel is known as Cor-ten, a grade that first weathers and oxidises to a light brown rust colour, and then gradually turns brownish-black, remaining unchanged for centuries thereafter.
Symbolically, the curved pieces represent flames, and the bars represent imprisonment and suppression, as under martial law. However, the flames escape and burn, whilst the bars, ironically, support the flames and the principle of human rights. Each person viewing the monument will experience a symbolism particular to their own perspective, though the overall message should be much the same. The plaque articulates the universal hope for human rights, freedom and peace.