From March 25 to 31, Monsignor Dariusz Giers, administrator of the John Paul II Vatican Foundation, stayed in Florida (USA). He visited the local Polish community to hold numerous meetings related to the current and future activities of the Foundation’s structures in the region.
The visit commenced with a meeting with the Metropolitan of Miami, Archbishop Thomas Gerard Wenski, who gave his blessing for the Foundation’s activities in his archdiocese. Subsequently, Monsignor Giers met with Anna Navas, a long-time coordinator of the Circle of Supporters of the John Paul II Vatican Foundation in Florida, who briefed him on the group’s activities in detail. Ms. Navas also arranged a meeting between Monsignor Giers and Jerzy Bogdziewicz, President of the Polish Congress in Florida. He emphasized the significant potential of the local Polish community, which, in his opinion, would be willing to engage in the Foundation’s work. Approximately 850,000 Polish people reside in Florida, an area roughly the size of Poland. Mr. Bogdziewicz suggested closer cooperation with the Polish Catholic Mission in Pampano Beach, run by the Society of Christ Fathers. This mission supports several Polish communities in various towns, including Port St. Lucie, where Monsignor Giers was warmly welcomed at Holy Family Parish. After Mass, he met with members of the community, who expressed their willingness and readiness to engage in the John Paul II Vatican Foundation’s activities.
The administrator’s stay in Florida was made possible thanks to the generosity of lawyer Ryszard Krzyżanowski, one of the Foundation’s greatest benefactors, honorary president of the Circle of Friends in Philadelphia, and a long-time member of the Administrative Council. Despite his distinguished age of 93, Mr. Krzyżanowski remains in good health and continues to follow the Foundation’s activities in the USA and Rome with interest, wholeheartedly supporting the rebuilding of its structures in Florida. He hosted Monsignor Giers in his home in West Palm Beach.
