Msgr. Dariusz Giers, the new administrator of the John Paul II Foundation arrived in California at the invitation of the Chapter of Friends of the JPII Foundation in Los Angeles. On October 22, the 45th anniversary of the Polish Pope’s pontifical Mass, he presided over the Sunday Eucharist at Our Lady of the Bright Mount Parish, the diocesan shrine of St. John Paul II. The concelebrants were Fr. Miroslaw Frankowski, SChr, pastor and custodian of the shrine, and Fr. Marek Stybor, OFM.
In addressing the faithful, Fr. Administrator thanked them for the invitation and the opportunity to experience this anniversary in the Polish American community, which has strongly supported the John Paul II Foundation from its beginning. He expressed gratitude to those gathered at the shrine of the Polish Pope and to all those who, in this place, cherish his memory.
Referring to the Pope’s book “Memory and Identity,” he stressed that it is from the grateful memory of the great events in our history and of our great compatriots that our national and spiritual identity is born. He called on all those who were fortunate enough to live during the pontificate of St. John Paul II to witness the spirit of his teachings and to pass on his legacy to future generations and not only Poles. He noted that there are many Mexicans and Hispanics in California who have a great love for the Polish Pope. In regard to the words of Sunday’s gospel: “Render, therefore, to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God” (Mt. 22:21), the preacher explained that Jesus in this statement clearly indicated the primacy of God over all human principles and arrangements, including political ones, and that this is what St. John Paul II taught us.
After the Mass, Msgr. Giers blessed with the holy water to the metal coats of arms of St. John Paul II and Blessed Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, which were installed on the doors of the sanctuary. Afterwards, members of the Los Angeles Chapter of JPII Founadtion moved to the parish hall richly decorated with papal symbols for a festive dinner. The Administrator had the opportunity to introduce himself and reminisce about his meetings with the Holy Father, as well as introduce the current affairs of the Foundation. In the artistic part, a poem by Ms. Zofia Truta dedicated to St. John Paul II was read.
On the Saturday, preceding the celebration, a group of members of the Friends of Los Angeles Chapter of the JPIIF, accompanied by Msgr. Giers and Fr. Frankowski, went on a pilgrimage to the Catholic Mission, Old Mission Santa Inés, in Solvang. The Holy Mass was presided over by the newly ordained Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Slawomir Szkredka. He shared his testimony of his love for St. John Paul II, who, he stressed, was always close to him, especially during his studies in Rome. He was particularly struck by the words “gift and work” which should be the principle of our conduct, namely, that every gift we receive in life obliges us to use it in the best way possible.
My time spent in Los Angeles among those who love the Pope “from a faraway land” was a great gift. I am extending my gratitude to the Los Angeles Chapter’s President Boguslawa Doerr along with the Board of Directors for the perfect organization of my stay. May the good Lord reward everyone, especially Fr. Miroslaw Frankowski, for the open doors of their homes and the well-known old Polish hospitality.
Msgr. Dariusz Giers
