Christmas Eve was traditionally beginning by reading a passage of Scripture. Usually, one of the guests was reading it: Father Ryłko or Father Styczeń. Then, they were breaking Christmas wafers. It was touching. It was the same way as it used to be in the past at their homes in Poland. The Holy Father wished them to meet the newborn Christ, so He could fill their hearts with joy and peace. And, then there were Christmas carols. For John Paul II, it was a favorite part of Christmas Eve. There were Christmas carols at the beginning, there were also after supper. At John Paul II’s home it was an important tradition. It was like that in Krakow. It was like that in the Vatican. The Holy Father really liked to sing, especially Christmas carols. He sang loudly and we saw that he really enjoyed it. However, singing on Christmas Eve did not last very long; half an hour, maybe a little longer. But, Christmas Eve was for us just the beginning of Christmas caroling. Until January 6th, we were singing every day. These were such family Christmas carols singing.
We have always invited two or three priests, unless other guests were already invited. And, after supper for half an hour, forty minutes we sang Christmas carols – from “Lullaby, little baby Jesus” to “The God is born”.
– Which Christmas Carol did the Holy Father like the most?
– I think that „Oj Maluśki, Maluśki” (“Oh, Little One, Little One”). Everything that related to the highlanders was close to his heart.
– Did the secretaries like these evenings with Christmas carols? Did they struggle a little when singing?
– No, we were not struggling. Rather, it made us happy. And besides, the Holy Father had such a gift that he could convince us to do everything, to inspire us with his good energy, humble prayer, with singing „Oj Maluśki, Maluśki” (“Oh, Little One, Little One”).
With the consent of Archbishop Mokrzycki “He liked Tuesdays the most”
M Publisher, Kraków 2008
