On the last Sunday of July, at the invitation of the Pauline Fathers, we visited American Czestochowa for our traditional summer picnic.
The monks welcomed us warmly. Upon arrival, we participated in Holy Mass in the Chapel of Our Lady of Czestochowa. During the service, Father Jan Michalak emphasized the Foundation’s role in promoting the teachings of Blessed John Paul II and in spreading Christian ethics in today's world.
After Mass, we gathered on the meadow near the Sanctuary under the shade of large trees, where picnic tables were waiting for us. The Foundation Board quickly prepared snacks—everyone was hungry after the journey and service. The real feast began when the President of the Circle took charge of the grill, preparing sausages. Renia and Bożena warmed up chicken and bigos. Ania and Zenek served cold drinks. Of course, there was also chilled red borscht a’la Kryspa, made by the irreplaceable Mrs. Kryspina. Adam kept everyone entertained with his jokes, and the author of this report captured memorable moments with her camera. Mrs. Jadzia Kawa, a long-time friend of the Pauline Fathers, oversaw the entire pilgrimage to American Czestochowa.
We were also visited by Prior Father Jerzy Maj, who blessed the food and treated us to excellent coffee with cream. Since our picnic site was near the Sanctuary and the Rosary and Stations of the Cross trails, everyone had time for personal prayer and reflection.
We wrapped up the successful picnic with an equally successful raffle, with proceeds going to support the Foundation in Rome.
We bid farewell to the Blessed Mother with the hymn 'O Maryjo żegnam Cię' and other beloved religious songs, beautifully led by our friend Apolonia. This pilgrimage-picnic in the spiritual capital of the Polish diaspora in the U.S. uplifted us spiritually and provided a peaceful break from the challenges and noise of daily city life.
ZOFIA TWAROWSKA