On Christmas Eve we did not sing for too long, because we did not want to make the Holy Father tired – recalls Prelate Ptasznik. – Then there was Midnight Mass and Christmas, a very intense day for the Holy Father. I remember that it was Cardinal Deskur who always made sure that we did not take too much time from the Holy Father. And, so quarters of an hour were passing. In a normal, homely atmosphere. For me these were really special moments – thinks priest Ptasznik. As if he once again realized the grace of serving at the side of John Paul II. Christmas with him was like a double feast – he says. Because Christ is born. Because I could see that light in the eyes of a holy man. That’s how I remember our Christmas together. Joy and light: in his eyes, it’s the symbolic light in the window and those lights on the Christmas tree that he always said had their purpose. Because Christ is light. I saw Him in his eyes. The prelate says that in the beginning he was more of an observer. That the thought of Christmas Eve at the Papal table intimidated him. He admits that he did not expect it to be so family and warm. The Holy Father was at this table like a father. We at this table – like his children. It was touching. He was so good, warm and cordial towards us – says the Prelate. And, he remembers that narrowness, which brings a smile to his face. It was really tight – he laughs. “You had to stuff those guys at the table. It is hard to believe that at the Christmas table in the Papal apartments it was so tight. And, it was.
With the consent of Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki – “Place for everyone”
Znak Publishing House, Kraków 2013.
