It happened in the times of Archbishop Mokrzycki that they welcomed the New Year in a wider circle. Much wider, because with thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square. It was New Year’s Eve 1999, the beginning of the third millennium – he says. They later said that there were more than one hundred and fifty thousand people in the square, mainly young people. I remember that the Holy Father came out to the window punctually at midnight and said: “An important hour has struck on the clock of history”. Then he continued: “The year 2000 begins at this point. A year that introduces us to the new millennium. For believers, this is the Year of the Great Jubilee.” Fireworks lit up the sky over the Vatican and drowned out the Pope’s words. While he wished: “A good year for all of you, men and women from all parts of the world.” Then he said how much he would like – crossing the threshold of the New Year – to knock on the doors of our homes and wish each of us well. He wished us a light that began in Bethlehem. To illuminate our everyday life. He wished us peace, tranquility and happiness. And, at the end he said: “May you be accompanied by the certainty that God loves us”.
So that none of us would feel lonely that night. So that none of us forgets that God loves everyone. No matter what. Then, He blessed everyone. And, so for a long time he stood and looked at this illuminated sky. He liked these fireworks. And, he was certainly glad that such crowds came to St. Peter’s Square to start this New Year with the Holy Father, with Christ – recalls the Archbishop. And, we went home. And, then it was like every year, that is, holy Mass among the household members. And, then the Holy Father went to his room, and we began to celebrate. I ask what that means. And, he smiles and says that there was no great New Year’s Eve madness, but there was champagne and wishes.
With the consent of Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki – “Place for everyone”
Znak Publishing House, Kraków 2013.
