In early July, Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz visited the dioceses of Paterson and Newark in New Jersey, as well as the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Our Circle of Friends of the John Paul II Foundation had the honor of meeting the esteemed guest on July 7 at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, where Cardinal Dziwisz celebrated a thanksgiving Mass for the beatification of John Paul II and for all the faithful gathered.
Cardinal Dziwisz was warmly welcomed by Fr. Dr. Witold Mroziewski, representative of the Polish Apostolate. Among the participants in the Eucharist were Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Ordinary of Brooklyn, Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros, and priests from Polish parishes.
In his homily, Cardinal Dziwisz presented Blessed John Paul II as the Peter of our times, who followed Christ just as the first disciples did by the Sea of Galilee. He reminded us that as believers, we are also called to proclaim the Gospel and build a civilization of love in the spirit of John Paul II's teachings.
The Cardinal also spoke about the development of the International Center of John Paul II 'Do Not Be Afraid!' in Kraków-Łagiewniki. The center holds relics of the Blessed Pope and daily Mass is celebrated there. Its mission is to promote and creatively continue the teachings of Pope John Paul II.
Following the Eucharist, a banquet was held with Cardinal Dziwisz and Bishop DiMarzio. Attendees had the opportunity to speak personally with the former secretary of Blessed John Paul II.
During a brief speech at the banquet, the Cardinal appealed for spiritual and financial support for the new religious center. He emphasized that it is a global initiative meant to serve future generations: “We cannot squander the gift that was the pontificate of our fellow countryman,” he said.
This encounter with a close witness of the great pontificate of the Polish Pope, who stood by him for forty years, provided us with unforgettable memories. In his farewell to the New York Polish community, Cardinal Dziwisz thanked everyone for supporting the beautiful initiative that is the John Paul II Center in Kraków-Łagiewniki, a living memorial to the life and legacy of our beloved Blessed Pope.
ZOFIA TWAROWSKA