Dispute over Father Rafał Główczyński transfer

Father Rafał Główczyński, a Salesian priest known online as the ‘Priest from the Estate’, is departing the St. Michael the Archangel parish in Piastów. He gained recognition for unconventional evangelization methods, such as organizing evangelical discos and engaging with youth through social media.

A conflict has emerged regarding his transfer to the International Sanctuary of St. Hedwig in Trzebnica. The Salwatorian order issued a statement claiming the transfer decision was made in March 2026 and was not due to misconduct, asserting that Główczyński himself requested the delay in his relocation. The order also noted they had denied his requests to purchase a barge on the Vistula or a retreat house in Madeira, describing these attempts as unauthorized and explicitly forbidden by provincial leadership.

Główczyński has publicly disputed these claims, describing the order’s account as ‘nonsense’. He denied requesting a delay and accused his superiors of failing to support his youth-oriented initiatives. He has accused the leadership of avoiding dialogue in favor of official statements and has indicated his intention to hold a press conference to release scanned email correspondence regarding the dispute.

Following the dispute, superiors in the Salvatorian order reportedly ordered Główczyński to withdraw from media activities and social networks. In a letter signed by Provincial Józef Figiel and Secretary Jacek Nowak, the order also prohibited him from organizing charitable collections or engaging with secular associations. The order reportedly accused Główczyński of using vulgar language and making statements that damage the reputation of the religious community. Główczyński has since moved to Trzebnica to serve as a vicar and catechist, directing inquiries regarding the matter to the Salvatorian Provincialate.