It was supposed to be like in Poland, like in the old days. And, it was. White tablecloth, under it hay, in the middle of the table a small, modest reed. And, a covering for a stranger who can knock on the door during supper. The Archbishop says that no stranger knocked on the door. But, if that were the case, we would definitely host him/her. He smiles. “And, I believe he would feel at home. That’s how we felt. From the morning we were fasting. Until the supper. The sisters were busy in the kitchen. It smelled all over the apartment – recalls the former secretary. I ask – what smelled? He says borsch and fish. And, various pastries, because supposedly the sisters bake the best ones. Especially shortbread cookies, which John Paul II usually demanded in silence, drawing a small circle on the tablecloth with his finger. The sisters understood this gesture without words. And, they never denied sweetness to the Holy Father – laughs the Archbishop. Even when they knew he should lose a few pounds. For health reason. After all, they could not deny the Holy Father.
John Paul II was reportedly more into himself than usual. Cardinal Dziwisz once recalled that in the Papal apartments it was a day of great prayer and great meditation. That when the time of the supper was approaching, the Holy Father went to the chapel to “commend to God all the poor, the abandoned, the homeless, who that evening could not enjoy the warmth of the family hearth”. We were waiting for this evening – recalls Archbishop Mokrzycki. – Just as you waited for Christmas Eve in childhood. The Holy Father was also waiting. He looked into the kitchen, saying that it smells nice. Like at home. Sisters Germania and Fernanda had a lot of work. On a daily basis, they cooked for the household members. This time they had to prepare a supper of many dishes, and for about twenty people. They cooked and baked. Gingerbread, shortbread cookies in the shape of stars – mentions the former Secretary. And, he adds: There was always a layer cake, mostly nutty. Also, poppy seed cake and cheesecake. But, poppy seeds cake came from Poland. There were also fried donuts. So tiny. Very tasty.
With the consent of Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki – “Place for everyone”
Znak Publishing House, Kraków 2013.
