The Polish Parliament established the year 2020 as the Year of St. John Paul II, in connection with 100th anniversary of the birth of the Holy Father. On this occasion, the Piłsudski Institute in New York organized a meeting with witnesses of the pontificate of the Polish Pope. The invited guests were presented by the President of the Institute Dr. Iwona Korga. The president of the John Paul II Foundation New York Chapter, Mieczysław Pająk, shared his memories related to John Paul II during the meeting. Mr. Pająk presented the history of the establishment of the New York Chapter, mentioned the objectives and activities of the Foundation, and the current events of the Chapter. He shared memories from individual audiences with St. John Paul II. During the meeting bulletins issued by the New York Chapter were presented and distributed among guests.
Another speaker, editor-Andrzej Józef Dąbrowski presented his personal memories of the meeting with John Paul II. Among others, he recalled his personal dinner with the Holy Father at the Vatican.
Then, a documentary movie by Alina Czerniakowska entitled “Pope Pole” from 1997 was presented. In the movie, the director presented the path to freedom on which his beloved Homeland was led by John Paul II. Although the movie was made a few decades ago, still in viewers it created positive reactions and brought tears of emotion. We are missing the direct meetings with our Compatriot-John Paul II.
At the end of this unusual meeting there was a surprise. Papal creams were served to all participants. As each of us carries memories of St. John Paul II in our hearts, conversations about the Holy Father continued in the hall, many of us brought photographs from meetings with the Holy Father.
Zofia Twarowska
