Backiel, MIC, Rev Fr Bernard

Rev. Bernard Backiel, MIC, 90, of Thompson Rd., passed away December 21, 2022, at Matulaitis Nursing Home. Born in Lesniki, Poland, he was the son of the late Piotr and Helena Backiel.

Father Bernard was baptized on December 26, 1932, in Tykocin, Poland and made his commitment to God on May 16, 1948, in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Poland. Father Bernard made his perpetual vows with the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception on August 15, 1956. He was ordained a priest on June 11, 1960, in Wloclawek, Poland. Fr. Bernard worked in Poland as a catechist, associate pastor and pastor. He emigrated to the United States on December 12, 1972. In the United States, he was a missionary priest, associate pastor and pastor. He also served as a hospital and nursing home Chaplin. Rev. Bernard has been a Marian priest for more than 62 years.

Rev. Bernard is survived by his loving sister, Marianna Backiel; his three cherished nephews, Bernard Backiel, Czeslaw Backiel, and Marian Backiel; his two great nephews, Aleks Backiel, Robert Backiel; three great nieces, Iwona Backiel, Natalia Backiel, and Sandra Backiel; and his great grand nephew, Arthur Lebeau de Hemricourt. He is predeceased by his brother, Stanislaw Backiel.

Fr. Bernard will lie in state from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, in Marianapolis Preparatory School Chapel, 26 Chase Road, Thompson, CT, relatives and friends are respectfully invited. A visitation will take place in the Great Room of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, 2 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, 11:00 am at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. Burial to follow at the Marian Cemetery on Eden Hill. For memorial guestbook visit www.gilmanandvalade.com.