The anniversary banquet of the New York Chapter took place on June 4th at Princess Manor in Greenpoint. The guest of honor was Floribeth Mora Diaz from Costa Rica, who was miraculously healed through the intercession of John Paul II. We met her during our pilgrimage to Costa Rica in 2016, following the footsteps of John Paul II. That’s when the idea of inviting her to our 20th anniversary gala was born. She accepted the invitation.
The jubilee celebrations began with a concelebrated Mass at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, offered for the intentions of the Chapter's friends by Bishop Witold Mroziewski, alongside priests from Polish parishes in New York. During the Mass, our guest of honor, Floribeth Mora Diaz, shared a moving testimony of her deep faith and spoke to the gathered faithful about her illness and miraculous healing through the intercession of John Paul II. The Vatican confirmed the miracle after a long and rigorous investigation. On April 24, 2014, she participated in the canonization of John Paul II, carrying a reliquary containing the Saint’s blood to the altar.
After the touching Eucharist, the faithful and invited guests proceeded to the banquet hall where the official jubilee portion began. President Mieczysław Pająk welcomed the guests and presented the history of the New York Chapter and its activities over the past 20 years. He recalled that the Chapter began its work in October 1997, founded by Mieczysław Pająk, Ryszard Konopka, and Władysław Zachariasiewicz. It fulfills the mission and goals set by its founder—John Paul II. Its main objective is to pass on the spiritual legacy of St. John Paul II, realized through a variety of activities.
An invocation was delivered by the Chapter’s chaplain, Fr. Józef Szpilski. Bishop Witold Mroziewski then offered words of recognition to the president and all friends of the Foundation for promoting the teachings of St. John Paul II. President Mieczysław Pająk received a commemorative gift—a statue of the Merciful Jesus—from the bishop. Board members also expressed gratitude and congratulations for 20 years of service. Fr. Dariusz Blicharz spoke about the miracle recognized by the Catholic Church. Fr. Grzegorz Stasiak, coordinator of Pastoral Ministry for Polish Immigrants, gave a blessing to all attendees. During the banquet, Floribeth Mora Diaz again spoke about her miraculous healing, the prayers of her family, and her mission. Like St. John Paul II, she now travels the world—already having visited 19 countries—sharing her experience of God’s power and mercy.
During the banquet, Fr. Piotr Żendzian was also remembered. He was a member of the Chapter and supported the Foundation’s mission. Bishop Mroziewski recalled Fr. Żendzian’s involvement in many Polish and American organizations and his active participation in the life of the Polish-American community. He had served for many years as president of the Polish American Priests Association. The organization posthumously awarded him a special distinction, which was received by his sister Barbara.
After the official program, attendees had the chance to personally speak with the guest of honor, share prayer intentions, and take commemorative photos. These were moments of unforgettable emotion that will remain in memory.
The Gala was attended by representatives of Polish-American organizations, institutions, businesses, teachers and students from Polish Supplementary Schools. Numerous Polish priests also participated. The Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York was represented by Maria Kułaga, who read a congratulatory letter from Consul General Maciej Gołubiewski addressed to President Mieczysław Pająk and the members of the New York Chapter.
Musical accompaniment for the banquet was provided by the Slavic Arts Ensemble, led by Mieczysław Gubernat and Sylwia Zawrotniak. The event was hosted by Elżbieta Serdak and Zofia Twarowska.
The banquet was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the New York Chapter’s achievements over 20 years—supporting scholarships for youth from Eastern Europe and the development of the Documentation and Study Center of the Pontificate of John Paul II in the Polish House in Rome, as well as promoting the teachings and spiritual legacy of St. John Paul II. We thank all Friends of the Foundation for participating in the Jubilee Gala and for supporting the John Paul II Foundation.
Zofia Twarowska