Download & Print
Descendants of Fr. Leopold Moczygemba, O.F.M.
Photo by Theresa Doyle-Nelson
March 24, 2025
Uncle Fr. Leopold Moczygemba continues to influence generations
By Theresa Doyle-Nelson
The Bandera Prophet
Some cute Moczygemba descendants enjoyed a trip to Bandera during their Spring Break—and in the midst of their busy stay, they visited the Frontier Times Museum. While there, they cheerfully posed before the Upper Silesia exhibit, holding some artifacts connected to their Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Great Uncle Fr. Leopold Moczygemba, O.F.M.
Many in central Texas are familiar with the story of Fr. Leopold Moczygemba. He was born in 1824 in a town called Gross Pluschnitz in the historic region of Upper Silesia; this town is now known as Płużnica Wielka, Poland (still a part of Upper Silesia).
As a young, 28-year-old Franciscan priest, Fr. Leopold Moczygemba felt called to serve as a missionary priest in Texas—to minister to the growing number of German Catholic communities there. While a missionary, Fr. Leopold noticed how well the Germans were faring in Texas and decided to encourage his family and friends in Upper Silesia to consider immigrating to Texas as well. In the mid-1850s, many were convinced and left Silesia for new lives in Texas—including four brothers of Fr. Leopold: Joseph, Anton, August and Johann.
It was through Fr. Leopold’s older brother—Joseph Moczygemba (1818-1912)—that these delightful Moczygemba descendants can trace their heritage to their well-known Uncle and beloved Silesian priest of Texas.
Many in central Texas are familiar with the story of Fr. Leopold Moczygemba. He was born in 1824 in a town called Gross Pluschnitz in the historic region of Upper Silesia; this town is now known as Płużnica Wielka, Poland (still a part of Upper Silesia).
As a young, 28-year-old Franciscan priest, Fr. Leopold Moczygemba felt called to serve as a missionary priest in Texas—to minister to the growing number of German Catholic communities there. While a missionary, Fr. Leopold noticed how well the Germans were faring in Texas and decided to encourage his family and friends in Upper Silesia to consider immigrating to Texas as well. In the mid-1850s, many were convinced and left Silesia for new lives in Texas—including four brothers of Fr. Leopold: Joseph, Anton, August and Johann.
It was through Fr. Leopold’s older brother—Joseph Moczygemba (1818-1912)—that these delightful Moczygemba descendants can trace their heritage to their well-known Uncle and beloved Silesian priest of Texas.