John Paul II often was inquiring about specific people, who a year or two ago sang for him some Christmas Carols. Another proof of his photographic memory and how each person was important for him. Each of us. Each human being. “So, what we will sing at the end?” – he asked.
– And what were you singing? – I am asking Marcin.
– Sometimes it was “Barka” {barge} – he says. – Sometime “Goralu czy ci nie zal” (Highlander do you not regret). Sometimes some Christmas Carol “Oj maluski,maluski” (Hey baby, baby). Children were pointing out that the Holy Father was tapping his foot. He was feeling well with us and we were feeling well around him. Children were longing to him as to their grandpa. Anybody, who could, was giving him a hug. The older ones were also giving him a hug. Such goodness was beaming from him. And, when he was looking at a man, it seemed that he knew everything about him/her. Marcin is saying that they wanted to pass on the strength with each hug, each song. So, he could be with us one more or two more years. Children were saying that they will be leading him by hand, so he would not never stumble. For highlanders, old man means more than for others. We need to show gratitude to an old man. He/she needs to be loved. And, he/she needs help. Children from young age learn to have respect for older people. We were also dancing Zbojnicki highlanders dance for the Holy Father – says Zubek. We wanted to show the best to him. Especially for him we recorded tapes. We loved him a lot. We still love him.
With permission from Archbishop Mieczyslaw Mokrzycki – “A place for everybody”
‘Znak’ Publishing House, Krakow 2013.
