In Lent, he was speaking up for people in need. Especially, about the youngest ones who suffer hunger and violence, in many areas of the world. Whenever he talked about children, he was getting emotional, he suffered with them. “Is it possible to look indifferently at children who have despair in their eyes and bodies resembling skeletons?” – he shouted in 1986. And, he was calling: “Revived by love, serve one another.” He talked about many “Lazarus” knocking on our door; and, about the fact that you cannot remain silent and do nothing. For him Lent was a time of real change, a reconstruction of life– explained the Archbishop – An opportunity to improve relations with loved ones, to extend helping hand to those who need it. He wanted, Lent to allow us to look into our eyes; and, to see what really matters; to understand that “there is more happiness in giving than in taking.” I remember when he said that. A year before his death, he again spoke up for the youngest. In his Message for Lent, he recalled Jesus’ words: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.” And, he explained: “Jesus’ words call upon us to see how children are treated in our families, in civil society, and in the Church.” It was also a reminder of the child’s path of trust and simplicity – said the former secretary. He walked the same path. Like Christ, who shared His life with the smallest, the poorest.
With the permission of Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki – “A place for everybody”
Znak Publishing House, Kraków 2013
