On June 19, 2022, the Corpus Christi feast took place in the Parish of Our Lady of Jasna Góra, the Sanctuary of St. John Paul II in Los Angeles. We have been preparing carefully for this important feast for a long time and the greater was our joy that we will host Fr Krzysztof Wieliczko on that day. The news of the Father’s arrival was received with great joy not only by the members of our Chapter, but also by other parishioners who in the past experienced cordial contact with our Father Krzysztof.
Preparations for the Corpus Christi feast began with decorating the parish area and preparing altars. Our Chapter had the task of preparing the altar in front of the St. John Paul II monument which is located in our Parish. The beautiful decoration in white and yellow colors was designed and prepared by Krysia Czerwiński, a member of the board of our Chapter.
On Sunday, June 19, Fr. Krzysztof celebrated two Holy Masses: the morning mass at 9:00 a.m. and the noon mass combined with a procession. And so, at 12:00 p.m., representatives of Polish diaspora and parish organizations entered the Church in a solemn procession in regional costumes, followed by Fr. Mirosław Frankowski, SChr , the Pastor and the Custodian of the Sanctuary of St. JPII, together with our Father Krzysztof Wieliczko and Fr. Grzegorz Rozborski, who also visited us on that day.
The Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr Mirosław Frankowski along with other priests and the beautiful Word of God referring to the Corpus Christi feast was delivered to us by Fr Krzysztof. As always, this homily of Fr. Krzysztof sank deep into our hearts and memories.
Immediately after the Holy Mass, a solemn procession began. It began with ladies from the parish choir Regina Mundi carrying the image of Our Lady of Jasna Góra. Behind them, members of the Brotherhood of St. Joseph carried the statue of their Patron. The image of St. John Paul II was carried by gentlemen from our Chapter, while ladies in Rzeszów costumes held yellow sashes. There were also the following banners: Polish, American, and Papal. Of course, there were children: in folk and communion costumes tossing flowers. The baldachin was carried by parishioners dressed in Polish noble costumes. We prayed at the four altars, passing from one altar to another in a solemn procession.
It was a beautiful celebration, a beautiful feast of Corpus Christi. For us it is a great joy and experience to be able to pray on this day with our dear Father Krzysztof. It was very solemn, spiritual, sublime, – and as Fr. Krzysztof said – very Polish feast.
After the procession, we all went to the parish hall, where a meal for parishioners on the occasion of the Corpus Christi feast and American Father’s Day was prepared by the Brotherhood of St. Joseph. After the meal, Fr. Krzysztof took the floor. He welcomed all members and parishioners and familiarized us with the general situation of the Foundation and plans for the near future and invited everyone to the celebrations in Rome on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Foundation.
After the official part, members of the Chapter and parishioners had the opportunity to talk privately with Fr. Krzysztof. The Father has found time for everyone.
To our dear Fr. Krzysztof, we express our heartfelt God bless (Bóg zapłać!) for the visit made to us and the effort made in connection with it. We thank you warmly for the Word of God, for being able to pray together and for the entire spiritual and beautiful day. We also offer our God bless to our Pastor Mirosław for preparing for us this beautiful celebration of Corpus Christi as well as to Fr Gregory for being with us on that day. We thank our Reverend Priests for their common prayer and all the spiritual experiences they provided for us and the strengthening that we experienced that day.
May the Blessed Mother implore for them all necessary graces and embrace them with Her care
Bogusława Doerr
