Time flies quickly. The celebrations of the Foundation’s Jubilee are coming to an end. But, before we part ways, we still had some great events ahead of us on Sunday, September 25, 2022. In the chapel of the Polish Home at Via Cassia, at the hour of Mercy before the Blessed Sacrament, we prayed together the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. It was led by Monsignor Paweł Ptasznik, Chairman of the Administrative Council. Father Krzysztof Wieliczko – Administrator of the JPII Foundation was also present. After the prayer, people of particular merit for the Foundation received on behalf of the Holy Father Francis, the medal “Pro Eccelesia et Pontifice”. (“For the Church and the Pope”). It is one of the high decorations of the Holy See in the shape of a cross. It can be given to a lay person. This medal was established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his priesthood. It is still awarded today by the Pope as a token of appreciation for those involved in the Church, at the request of the diocesan bishop. In these three persons who received the medal, the Holy Father, at the same time, expresses his gratitude to all those who are surrounded by the distinguished. This cross was awarded to Mrs. Elizabeth Drucka Lubecka de Séjournet – President of the Belgian Chapter of the John Paul II Foundation, Mr. Stefan Władysiuk – President of the Chapter of the John Paul II Foundation in Montreal, Mr. Raymond Glembocki – a distinguished member of the John Paul II Foundation Chapter in Washington.
Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, remembering the Holy Father, John Paul II, blessed and unveiled another commemorative plaque with the names and surnames of the benefactors of the JPII Foundation. He pointed out that the dedication of this plaque is also a blessing for all those present here, as well as for all who will come here. The Ambassador of Poland to the Holy See, Mr. Adam Kwiatkowski, was also present. At the end, after the granted the Cardinal’s blessing, we sang together the hymn Polish.
After the end of the solemn events at the Polish Home, we got on the buses again. This time we went to the center of Rome to the General House of the School Brothers “Casà la Salle” for a solemn banquet. There was delicious food waiting for us – a specialty of Italian cuisine. And, since we celebrated the Foundation’s Jubilee, there, of course, was a cake. The cakes were baked especially for this occasion in Wadowice, i.e. in the Holy Father’s hometown. They did not only delight us with their appearance, but also with their taste. The entire evening went in an extremely pleasant mood. Among the guests were present, among others, Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko, Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland Mr. Adam Kwiatkowski. During the reception, Cardinal Ryłko, the long-time chairman of the Administrative Council, received a unique gift – a triptych depicting Our Lady of Czestochowa, St. John Paul II and St. Faustina – as an expression of gratitude for his involvement in the Foundation’s activities. We were also able to talk to distinguished guests and take commemorative photos. In addition, everyone could take with them small colored envelopes prepared especially for the celebrations, and in them there was a thought, a quote from the Holy Father. Surely everyone came across something that was most needed at that time. At least I found in this tiny envelope the message I probably needed the most at that moment…
During the gala dinner endless gratitude to the organizers of the Jubilee celebrations was a special moment. Everyone as beautifully as possible wanted to express their thanks to Father Krzysztof Wieliczko and Mrs. Anna Beata Kielech, for the effort put into the organization and implementation of such a great undertaking. The program of the Jubilee celebrations was very rich in various events. It required a lot of work, effort, commitment and dedication on the part of the organizers. Each day was unique, full of not only beautiful, but also extremely valuable spiritual experiences, and the entire experience was accompanied by a great atmosphere. On my own behalf, but also on behalf of all the guests who came to the celebration of the 40thanniversary of the JPII Foundation, I would like to express my gratitude and thanks once again: – Father Krzysztof, Ms. Aniu – from the bottom of my heart – God bless! May our holy Patron – John Paul II, who certainly was with us all these days, look from the height of the window of the Father’s house, watch over the Foundation. May he implore blessing and necessary graces for the Foundation and for all members.
After returning to the Polish Home, a surprise awaited us – the youth from the “Jedność” shola welcomed us on the threshold of the house with a guitar, violin and great singing. An amazing atmosphere was created. None of us, despite the late hour, wanted to go to the rooms to rest after a whole day. Some listened, others joined in the singing, and still others began to dance. You had to see and experience it yourself, because words cannot describe it. Of course, we met in the refectory to enjoy each other, talk and sing together. This was the last night. I do not know when we will meet again and who of us will be able to come next time…., but I certainly know that each of us leaves this place with regret, but also charged with incredibly good energy, enthusiasm and strength. We experienced beautiful, unforgettable moments and what to say here… “It was difficult to leave…”
Elżbieta Noster, the JPII Foundation Chapter from Aulnay sous Bois (France)
