“Many Christmas carols” that is even about sixty. This is what those who used to carol with John Paul II in Krakow say. There could have been half as many in the Vatican. Inevitably, there was also less time. The Holy Father was getting more and more years. And, the duties did not diminish at all – explains archbishop Mokrzycki. If he could, he would probably sing a hundred or more. He loved Christmas carols and pastorals. In them he heard the Gospel. And, he always said that in these traditional songs there is the whole truth about Christ.
In his Letter to Children he recalled that already in his childhood he willingly sang carols: “We expressed our joy primarily in singing. How beautiful and moving are the carols that the tradition of all nations has wrapped around Christmas! How many profound thoughts there are, and above all, how much tender joy is directed to this Child of God who came into the world on a holy night!” He liked to sing. He sang loudly. With the joy that flowed from the heart. Friends from the “Środowisko” recall that he had a great voice. Though he didn’t always sing cleanly. He was most tempted to sing with the second voice and it was not always good – says Zofia Cierniakówna with a smile in an interview for the Centre of Thought of John Paul II. The Holy Father sang beautifully – says the Archbishop. He had the voice of an actor. Trained, strong. Even when he himself was getting weaker and weaker, there was some strength in his voice.
With the consent of Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki – “Place for everyone”
Znak Publishing House, Kraków 2013.
