Many of us carry the date April 2, 2005, in our memory. On that day, the eyes of the entire world turned toward the Vatican. Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square in Rome and millions watched on television, praying for the dying Holy Father.
With the words: 'Dearest brothers and sisters, at 9:37 p.m., our most beloved Holy Father John Paul II returned to the house of the Father,' Archbishop Leonardo Sandri informed the faithful of the Pope’s passing. The pontificate of the Polish Pope lasted 27 years. He was canonized on April 27, 2014.
On the 17th anniversary of John Paul II’s passing, on April 2nd, members and supporters of the New York Circle of Friends of the John Paul II Foundation gathered for a solemn concelebrated Mass at Holy Cross Church in Maspeth. Bishop Witold Mroziewski led the prayers for both the deceased and living members of the Foundation. He was joined by retreat preacher Fr. Radosław Rybarski. At the start of the Mass, the bishop welcomed representatives of the Foundation, parishioners, and children from the first-grade classes of the Polish Language and Culture School of St. John Paul II and the catechetical program at Holy Cross Parish, along with their parents. In his retreat homily, Fr. Radosław reflected on the person and pontificate of Saint John Paul II. The music for the Eucharist was prepared by the organist and the vocal-prayer group Te Deum. Among the hymns performed was the beloved “Barka,” closely associated with the late Pope.
At the end of the liturgy, the hearts of all present were touched by a performance from the youngest parishioners. Children from the Polish school and catechetical program sang songs dedicated to Saint John Paul II under the direction of Katarzyna Ziółkowska. With great enthusiasm and emotion, they performed: “We Love You, John Paul II,” “Treasures? Treasures! – Saint John Paul II,” and “If Your Faith Were as Small as a Mustard Seed.” We are grateful to the parents and their teacher, Katarzyna Ziółkowska, for preparing the children for such a moving performance, which stood as a living testimony of their faith. With great emotion, we listened to the children’s declarations: 'We, Polish children – we love you!' May their love for Saint John Paul II grow in their hearts throughout their lives and may they always express it with such joy and sincerity as they did during this performance.
Immediately after the Mass, a night vigil began, during which the faithful prayed through the intercession of Saint John Paul II. After the service, members of the Foundation went to the monument of John Paul II and lit symbolic candles, a sign of spiritual connection with the Saint. With this anniversary Mass, we honored the memory of Saint John Paul II – the Saint of our times.
ZOFIA TWAROWSKA