I remember, there was a conversation as to how to make this canonization. There was a thought that the Holy Father would carry out the act of canonization in the curial chapel in Kraków and to broadcast it on television. With such approach, the faithful in Stary Sacz could see this act of canonization. But, a dozen hours later it turned out that the Pope is getting back his strength…
– Archbishop Nycz said at the time that he was not afraid to talk about a miracle…
– I would not be afraid to say so either. It was something extraordinary; from such a weakness, to such strength and in such a short time. In the evening, still it was not quite good, but the Holy Father very much wanted and went out to the window. Because he knew that there were crowds at Franciszkańska Street. And, that they pray for him. He wanted to show them that it is not that bad so they will not worry. And, he left – punctually at 9 p.m. We immediately heard cheers of joy and applause. People breathed a sigh of relief. The Holy Father sang with them the Jasna Góra Appeal and gave his blessing.
– But, it was still uncertain whether he would go to Stary Sącz?
– We were not sure, as although the fever went down, the Holy Father was still weak. Not as weak as he was able to go out to the window on Franciszkańska Street, but too weak for the next trip. I remember there were pressures to decide as quickly as possible, because over there they did not know whether to prepare for the reception of the Pope or not. But, we couldn’t decide. And, only the next day, after 7 a.m., we reported that the Holy Father is going. We saw that he was in a great shape. We were amazed.
With the permission of Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki –“He liked Tuesdays the most”
M Publishing House, Krakow 2008
