Epiphany – February 13, 2024
Ania Bieciuk talks about the history of Fat Tuesday. Joshua Masterson talks about being a Catholic Cartoonist.
Segment 1
Ania Bieciuk talks about the history of Fat Tuesday.
Ania Bieciuk is the Associate Director for Polonia Affairs at the Polish Institute of Culture & Research in Orchard Lake.
The Polish Institute of Culture & Research is a cultural institution within the Orchard Lake Schools, which was established in 1885 by Fr. Joseph Dabrowski. Originally known as the “Polish Seminary,” the Orchard Lake Schools was founded with the support of Polish immigrants, and Polonia has helped sustain the institution ever since. The Polish Institute was established with the goal to promote Polish language, culture, tradition, and history for present and future generations. The Polish Mission organizes programs, courses, and events that promote Polish and Polish American culture and accomplishments and maintains a repository for artifacts, archival materials, works of art, and publications. It also recognizes that Polish culture and Catholicism are inextricably linked.
Ania coordinates activities and programs with organizations in Poland and throughout Polonia in the United States. Ania’s extensive political, policy, and cultural background in Michigan and Poland is a tremendous asset. Her efforts assist in making the Polish Institute a center for Polonia in North America.
Prior to joining the Polish Institute, Ania served as the Vice President of the Polish American Chamber of Commerce Michigan and as the Director of Communications and Social Media at the Polish American Leadership-Political Action Committee. She also served as the Coalition Chair for “Rick Snyder for Governor” and held positions within the Executive Office of Governor.
Ania attended Michigan State University, James Madison College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Comparative Cultures and Politics with a specialization in Russia and Eastern Europe. She was a 2013 Fellow of the Michigan Political Leadership Program at Michigan State University. She also has a Juris Doctorate from Western Michigan Cooley Law School.
To learn more about The Polish Institute of Culture & Research visit their website at: Polish Institute of Culture & Research (picrol.org)
Segment 2
Joshua Masterson talks about being a Catholic Cartoonist.
My name is Joshua Masterson and I am the author and illustrator for The Catholic Cartoon comic series. I am 21 and one of 10 kids and we were all homeschooled. I was taught about my faith from my parents. I dearly love the Faith and go to receive the Sacraments as often as I can! I also love to altar serve for the Mass.
In regards to drawing, I have been drawing cartoons since I was very young and have always enjoyed making up characters and stories about them. I was taught some of what I know in drawing from my dad and grandmother who are both artistic as well. In 2022, it was a time of great discernment for me in finding out what I was going to do with my life. I had recently discerned the priesthood and religious life but decided it wasn’t where God wanted me. During that time I came up with the comic strip and started sharing it on Instagram. The comic is about every day, small-town parish life and follows the pastor named Fr. Otto and all of the fun and holy things that happen around him. The comic was received well by Instagram and my following has grown ever since. Everything that has come to me is a blessing and gift from Our Lord! Recently, I even had the privilege of publishing a collection book of the comics by “Voyage Comics” who are an amazing publisher. I hope to continue making more and more comics and making more comic books for people of all ages to enjoy!
Visit the Catholic Cartoon here: The Catholic Cartoon
