From May 16 to 19, 2024, Rev. Prelate Dariusz Giers, Administrator of the Vatican John Paul II Foundation, visited Międzyrzec Podlaski in the Diocese of Siedlce. He arrived at the invitation of Rev. Canon Dariusz Parafiniuk, pastor of St. Nicholas Parish, to celebrate the city’s patronal day. Saint John Paul II was proclaimed the patron on May 1, 2023, following the approval of the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, in response to a request from the residents and the City Council. The annual celebration was scheduled for May 18, marking the Pope’s birthday. On this day, by decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary, a plenary indulgence could be obtained at St. Nicholas Parish in Międzyrzec.
In addition to St. Nicholas Parish, Rev. Giers visited the Parish of St. Joseph, where Rev. Canon Henryk Korszniewicz, a long-serving pastor and fervent advocate for establishing the Polish Pope as the city’s patron, serves. He also visited the Parish of Christ the King, where a special Mass inaugurated a commemorative ceremony organized by School No. 3 in Międzyrzec, which is also under the patronage of Saint John Paul II.
The academy, titled “Heart of Hearts – John Paul II: A Man Must Be Measured by the Heart,” beautifully showcased the Pope’s thoughts through poetry, song, and dance. Awards were presented to the winners of a quiz on the life and works of the school’s Patron. Rev. Giers thanked the school administration, teachers, students, and their parents for the excellent preparation of the event.
Each evening, for four consecutive days, a prayer vigil was held at the city’s central square under the statue of St. John Paul II, accompanied by the Jasna Góra Appeal.
The main patronal celebrations began on the evening of May 18 at the statue of the Holy Father, with the attendance of Bishop Kazimierz Gurda of Siedlce. He presided over a Mass for the city’s residents at St. Nicholas Church and blessed a painting of St. John Paul II, which was then placed in the main nave of the historic church. After the Eucharist, Rev. Giers expressed his gratitude for the invitation and congratulated the numerous city residents who had courageously declared their support for the Polish Pope at a time when others question his greatness and significance.
The celebrations concluded with a concert by Magda Steczkowska, titled My Journey in the Footsteps of John Paul II. The artist, together with renowned pianist and composer Adam Niedzielin, took the audience on a remarkable musical journey, interwoven with stories from her personal encounters with the Pope and featuring his beloved songs. Naturally, “Barka,” the Pope’s favorite hymn, was sung by the entire assembly.
On the same day, the Municipal Sports and Recreation Center organized a family “Papal Run” through the streets of Międzyrzec. The race finished at John Paul II Square, underscoring that the city’s patron saint, the Pope of families, continues to intercede for them in heaven.
