On the evening of October 22nd, Poles gathered together at St. Peter’s Square, which serves as a silent witness to the inauguration and entire pontificate of Saint John Paul II. The rosary was recited, hymns were sung, and flowers were laid at the spot where our Pope was shot. This prayerful meeting marked the culmination of a week of solemn celebrations in Rome commemorating the 45th anniversary of Cardinal Karol Wojtyła’s election as the successor to Saint Peter.
Monsignor Paweł Ptasznik, the chairman of the Administrative Council of the Foundation responsible for the pastoral care of Poles in Rome, summed up the celebrations expressing joy that the Polish community remains close to John Paul II: “It was a unique time. We have always tried to remember the anniversary of the election of John Paul II and the liturgical memorial. But this year, due to the 45th anniversary of this occasion, we made an effort to live the entire week in proximity to the Polish Pope, his teachings, and his work.” Representatives of both church and state institutions in Rome were present, along with many members of the local Polish community who still cherish memories of personal encounters with our greatest compatriot in history.
