How serving in Alaska transformed Father Kamil's life

Father Kamil Kiszka likened serving in Alaska to a priceless two-year retreat, during which he came away more peaceful and balanced. Father Kiszka returns to the podcast to talk about this unique full-time missionary experience in the Land of the Midnight Sun and what might be next for him. The conversation is moved along by Father Kiszka's collection of photographs from Alaska. (Watch the video version of the podcast to see the photographs.) Host Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney reflects on our call to be missionary disciples wherever we are.  Bishop Sweeney also reflects on the life of Father Rafael Ciro, who took his life one year ago, and a Memorial Mass scheduled the day this episode was recorded. He also mentions the feast days of St. Monica (Aug. 27) and her son St. Augustine (Aug. 28).  Bishop Sweeney shares a few book recommendations as well! Co-hosted by Communications Director Jai Agnish. Show notes: Mission priest inspired, in love with service in Alaska Diocese sends love in packages to Alaska missionary priest Podcast: Mission priest shares his love for serving in Alaska Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney: Remembering with gratitude the life and ministry of Father Rafael A. Ciro Email questions and podcast topic ideas to Bishop Kevin at [email protected]. Produced by Jai Agnish, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, and Father Kamil Kiszka for the Diocese of Paterson. Alaska photographs provided by Father Kamil Kiszka. Engineered, edited, and theme song by Jai Agnish. Illustrations by Dennis Dalelio. Beyond The Beacon on Instagram and Facebook. Bishop Kevin on Instagram. The Diocese of Paterson on Instagram,  Facebook (English) / Facebook (Spanish). Every three years, each Diocese in the USA has the graced opportunity to make a scheduled pilgrimage as one Diocesan family with their Bishop to the National Shrine in the nation's capital. 2026 is once again "our year!" Please note the two-day and one-day options: Oct. 16, Friday, and Oct. 17, Saturday. Visit the Diocese of Paterson website here to learn more! On Coffee with Kupke, we have a cup of coffee and sit down with diocesan archivist, Monsignor Raymond Kupke Ph.D., to delve into the history of Catholicism in the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. Hosted by Father Paul Manning and Msgr. Kupke. Listen to Coffee with Kupke wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on the St. Paul Inside the Walls YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulinsidethewalls.