– During your studies in Rome did Father often see John Paul II, for example, during masses, celebrations?
– From Monday to Friday it was almost impossible, because we had classes all day long. On Sundays I was going to St. Peter’s Square for the Angelus prayer.
When my family arrived, I asked Father Konrad Hejmo, if we could go to the meeting in the Clementine Hall where the Pope was meeting with Poles. And, it worked. Later, a few times, I participated in the holy Masses which the Holy Father celebrated in his private chapel. Archbishop Jaworksi asked the Pope for the permission. When he was coming to the Vatican, he was asking if his students, clerics, could attend the holy Masses. There were only three of us, and the Pope was happy to agree.
– Before defending your doctorate, you were invited to a dinner with the Pope.
– It was also an initiative of Archbishop Jaworski. Dinner with the Pope… When someone later asked what I was eating and drinking, I couldn’t remember. I was so nervous, how to behave, what the Holy Father will ask. There were several people at the table – Archbishop Jaworski, Fr. Tadeusz Styczeń and priests from the Diocese of Lvov. At one point the Pope asked about the title of my doctoral thesis. And, the conversation went on; friendly, direct. Archbishop Jaworski told the Pope that he wanted me to work in a congregation at the end of my doctorate and at the same time to prepare the process of beatification of an outstanding figure of the Church, Fr. Archbishop Józef Bilczewski. The Pope was happy with these plans.
Secretary of two Popes – conversation with Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki.
Wydawnictwo Literackie Publishing House
