May 3rd is the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Poland. It was established by Pope Benedict XV in 1920, at the request of Polish bishops, after Poland regained independence in 1918. Also on this day, Poles around the world celebrate a national holiday, commemorating the declaration of the first in Europe and the second in the world written constitution in 1791.
On that day, in the John Paul II Foundation Home in Lublin, at 5 p.m., a solemn Holy Mass took place. The Mass was celebrated by Director of the Home, Fr Jan Strzałka. In his homily, he referred to the entrustment of the Polish nation to Mary throughout history and to St. John Paul II and recalled St. John Paul II’s motto “Totus Tuus” which was expressing his total dedication to the Mother of God.
After the Holy Mass and the May service, taking advantage of the sunny weather, the scholarship recipients spent time together in a relaxed atmosphere, eating grilled sausages. May is the month of Mary, so every day after the evening Mass we are praying the Blessed Mother with the singing of a litany in Her honor.
Anna Vovchanska
Photo: Agnieszka Soroka
