On Saturday, October 20, 2018 at the Polish Mission of Cistercian Fathers in Willow Springs (USA) the celebrations of the 35th anniversary of the John Paul II Foundation Chicago Chapter took place.
The Chicago Chapter works among Polonia at the St. Ferdinand Church and the John Paul II Sanctuary with Cistercian Fathers. At the Chapter’s invitation, Fr. Robert Ptak SCJ, Vice –President of the John Paul II Foundation home in Lublin participated in the anniversary celebrations. Fr. Ptak celebrated a solemn Mass at 4.30 p.m. and delivered the homily in which he emphasized the importance of the religious formation among young scholarship recipients from Central and Eastern Europe and from Asia. John Paul II wished to allow the Foundation’s scholarship recipients to deepen their faith and study at the Catholic University of Lublin, so upon graduation they could return to their homelands to build Christian communities. The scholarship program could be realized thanks to the generosity of so many Benefactors from around the world. Fr. Ptak expressed gratitude to all members of the Chicago for their prayers and financial support wishing them St. John Paul II care and God’s blessing for the upcoming years.
At the end of the Mass, all participants paid homage to the relics of St. John Paul II and then went to the parish hall where additional part of the event took place. The President of the Chicago Chapter, Ms. Elżbieta Ceisel-Mikowska greeted all participants, especially the spiritual supporters of the Chapter: Fr. Zdzisław Torba from the St. Ferdinand Church and Fr. Michal Blicharski, director of the Polish Mission. Among guests there were Polonia’s priests, nuns and new members of the Chapter. The Chapter President also introduced the new Chapter’s board.
Then, the artistic part of the event was presented by the Highlanders group “Tatry” from Chicago dedicated to St. John Paul II on the 40thanniversary of the election to the Peter’s Seat.
The family atmosphere continued by each table where delicious Polish meals were served.
Saint John Paul II – supports us from heaven and pray for us!
Fr. Robert Ptak SCJ
Photographs: S. Chrupczak, R. Ptak
