On Sunday, October 11, 2020, the John Paul II Foundation Chapter in the United Kingdom celebrated Papal Day. Of the 54 Chapters of our Foundation which gather our compatriots for whom the opus and teaching of the Pope are close to the heart, our chapter is the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. Thanks to your donations, we provide financial support for many valuable projects, and above all for the education of Youth from Eastern Europe.
The celebration of the Papal Day began at noon with Holy Mass celebrated in the church of St. Andrzej Bobola, celebrated by Monsignor Stefan Wylężek, the Rector of the Polish Catholic Mission (PCM) in England and Wales, with Canon Krzysztof Tyliszczak, Chancellor of PCM and Canon Marek Reczek as co-celebrants. The Rector prayed for deceased and living members and for benefactors of the JPII Foundation Chapter in Great Britain asking for them the bestowing of further graces and protection through the intercession of our patron Saint John Paul II.
After Mass, a number of people made their way to the Łowiczanka restaurant for dinner combined with a concert. This part of the Papal Day was inaugurated by the President of the Chapter Ewa K. Szymańska, who welcomed all 50 guests, among them the Consul General Mateusz Stąsiek, the Rector of the PCM Monsignor Stefan Wylężek and Chancellor of the PMK, Canon Krzysztof Tyliszczak. She congratulated the Consul on the birth of his son and wished the Rector health and further prosperity in pastoral work following his successful surgery. The President also welcomed members of Andrzej Matuszewski’s vocal and music ensemble, which included Ryszard Bielicki, Teresa Greliak and Izabela Wilczyńska. (Congratulations to Ryszard Bielicki on his Papal award – the Order of St. Gregory the Great – for 50 years of work for the parish of Devonia.)
On the occasion of Papal Day, we received many wonderful letters and wishes, including from our members from the United Kingdom, France, USA and Poland, for which we are very grateful. Special wishes were sent to us from Rome by the Administrator of the Foundation, Father Krzysztof Wieliczko OSPPE, with the information that, a special Mass was celebrated on October 6th for all members of the John Paul II Foundation at the tomb of the Pope in St. Sebastian’s Chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Our heartfelt gratitude for remembering our John Paul II family in Great Britain.
– “I would like to tell you,” – the President said – “how today’s meeting was possible during the pandemic, at such a very difficult time for all of us. After all, no organization has yet held a meeting and we decided to break this unfortunate run. Well, on July 5th, when the churches were opened, I was attending Holy Mass at St. Andrzej Bobola Church, constantly thinking about the Papal Day—whether to organize it or not. The Pope’s words calling for courageous action “Do not be afraid” came to mind, and they inspired me— we are glad today that we are together and can celebrate this occasion (observing all the pandemic regulations). Next year, we plan three events the Christmas celebration, the 25th anniversary of our section and the Papal Day. We will provide further information” – assured the President of the Chapter.
Then Father Stefan Wylężek, the spiritual supervisor of JPII Foundation Chapter in Great Britain, said grace and reminded those gathered that St. John Paul II watches over us and intercedes for us before God. The Rector wished all participants at the dinner good health and happiness.
Seven members were awarded Medals of Merit with a diploma. The Medals were presented to Aleksandra Bętkowska, Alicja Czochralska, Kazimiera Duffy, Anna Hawryłuk, Elżbieta and Alun Hopkins and Danuta Jasek. The President of the Chapter, Ewa Szymańska congratulated the recipients, wishing them all the best and continued successes in working for the JPII Foundation.
After a superb meal, served by the lovely ladies from the restaurant and after coffee with “Papal cream pastries”, it was time for the concert. This began with the singing of “Barka”, the favourite hymn of St. John Paul II. The concert included a number of beautiful songs and musical pieces. Maestro Andrzej Matuszewski introduced each item, with information on its origins and content. Teresa Greliak beautifully performed, inter alia: the “Prayer” by Okujawa, the “Black Madonna” and the “Madonna of Bethlehem”. Iza Wilczyńska recited inter alia the “Stream” by K. Wojtyła and “Prayer for Peace” by S. Celińska. Ryszard Bielicki played several piano pieces by F. Chopin and together with Andrzej Matuszewski (violin) performed: “Ave Maria” and “Air on a G String” by J.S. Bach. It is impossible to list all the songs here, but “Our Lady of Kozielsk” and “John Paul” composed by Andrzej Matuszewski and his performance moved many of those present. At the end of the concert, all the artists performed the song “Abba Father”, and he audience joined in humming. The excellent performance was greeted by hearty applause. The President of the Chapter, concluding the event, thanked everyone for coming, the artists for the sensational concert and also expressed her gratitude to the Board which, as always, put a lot of work into the successful Papal Day.
The atmosphere of the meeting was wonderful, and everyone was grateful for such a moving experience, bearing in mind the poignant words of the Great Pope “Do not be afraid”. We believe that St. John Paul II watches over us and our families. We pray for his intercession every day.
Ewa K. Szymańska
