Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017:
Ożóg, Eugeniusz

Writer, philosopher, provincial, preacher; born Zalesie, Poland, 23 October 1932; died, Melbourne, 27 May 2008; aged 76.

Eugeniusz Ożóg's early life was on the family farm during the German occupation. His family was poor, yet their love was rich. Life in Poland after the war was dangerous; many of his young friends lost their lives to booby-trapped weapons left behind in the woods by the departing Germans. Ożóg was a pious youth, and enjoyed being an altar boy.

An aunt introduced him to the Jesuits, which he entered on 30 July 1950 at the age of 18 at Stara Wies. He studied philosophy at Krakow and theology at Warsaw, and was ordained to the priesthood on 22 August 1960. Postgraduate studies in psychology followed at Pozan University, gaining a doctorate at KUL, Lublin, in 1972. His thesis here was, 'Adaptation to religious life in the light of the theory of the development of vocation'. He lectured at the Jesuit Faculty of philosophy at Krakow and was chaplain to the university students, 1967-73. Here he was respected by his students for being an excellent teacher with a very clear and practical approach to his subject. Tertianship was in 1972.

Following these years he was director of Jesuit publishers WAM at Krakow, 1973-77. This was a particularly difficult time for Catholic publications, as the Communist regime did its best to repress them. Despite this challenge, he managed to publish some books on pastoral care. As superior of the house, he was attentive to the needs of the community, particularly the brothers.

As provincial of the South Polish Province, 1977-83, he undertook new initiatives. Among them were new buildings for Jesuit Publications and sending many young Polish Jesuits abroad for further studies. During his term of office, 'Solidarity' was born. He returned to publishing, 1983-1987, as editor of the Polish Messenger of the Sacred Heart and 'Nasze Sprawy' at Krakow, writing many articles from psychological and pastoral perspectives.

He moved to Australia in 1987, and became chaplain to the Polish community at the Polish Marian Shrine in Essendon, Victoria. He continued to write, especially for the Melbourne-based newspaper, the Polish Weekly. He also had a printing press, which he used to produce a range of publications. From 1996 he was vice-superior of the Polish Jesuit community in Australia.

It was when he came to Australia that Ożóg discovered his pastoral gifts. He was much appreciated as a confessor, in preaching, giving retreats, and leading meditations. His monthly Masses, which were recorded and broadcast on Polish community radio, were popular among the Polish community.

Many remembered Ożóg as a reserved, private man, not easy to know, but his community appreciated his great sense of humour, sensitivity, openness to others and sincerity. His love of the Church and the Society was evident in his life. In his last few months he expressed more openly his affection and friendship. He recognised that being with the Polish community was a rich time for him. As he came to recognise that his end was near, he overcame all fear and communicated peace. This was a lasting gift to those who knew him.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)