The triptych commemorating the 100th birthday of St. John Paul II began its pilgrimage through New York parishes on April 11, 2021, Divine Mercy Sunday.
That day, at Holy Cross Parish in Maspeth, a special Mass was celebrated by Bishop Witold Mroziewski with members and supporters of the New York Chapter of the John Paul II Foundation, during which the triptych was blessed. It consists of three images painted on linden wood panels by Polish artist Bogusław Onsowicz. In the center is an icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa, flanked by images of St. John Paul II and St. Faustina. The novena to St. John Paul II at Holy Cross Church began with the Litany to St. John Paul II and readings from papal encyclicals.
The triptych began its journey through New York parishes starting at Holy Cross Church in Maspeth. On Sunday, April 25, it was displayed at the main altar in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan during a Mass commemorating the 7th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s canonization. It was then taken to the Polish-American parish of St. Matthias in Ridgewood, Queens, followed by Polish parishes in Brooklyn: Our Lady of Częstochowa–St. Casimir, St. Rose of Lima, and St. Frances de Chantal. In later months, it was hosted in Greenpoint at St. Stanislaus Kostka and Sts. Cyril and Methodius. It was also displayed in American parishes: Our Lady of Hope in Middle Village, Queens, and Guardian Angel in Brooklyn. The triptych continues to move from parish to parish, community to community, gathering the faithful for Mass and prayer, who, through the intercession of Our Lady of Częstochowa and Polish saints—St. Faustina and St. John Paul II—ask for graces for themselves, their families, and the world. It remains in each parish for nine days, during which the novena to St. John Paul II is prayed. A special prayer booklet was distributed by members of the New York Chapter board. The coordinator of the triptych’s pilgrimage is Bishop Witold Mroziewski.
The celebrations for the 100th birthday of St. John Paul II were originally planned for May 2020 but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so the blessing of the triptych took place in April 2021.
Saint John Paul II—Pray for us!
ZOFIA TWAROWSKA