On the evening of Saturday, May 11, the second anniversary of the beatification of Blessed John Paul II gathered the friends of the New York Circle of the John Paul II Foundation at Our Lady of Czestochowa and St. Casimir Church. During this Holy Mass, we thanked God for the gift of the beatification, prayed for his swift canonization, and commemorated the anniversary of his birth on May 18.
The concelebrated Mass was led by the parish pastor, Fr. Witold Mroziewski, and the Circle’s chaplain, Fr. Józef Szpilski. In his homily, Fr. Mroziewski reflected on the Gospel and recalled key messages of John Paul II about the unity of the family.
After the final blessing, high school students from the Polish Supplementary School at the parish presented a spoken-word and musical performance titled *Gaude Mater Polonia*. The program began with Michał Ogiński’s *Farewell to the Homeland* polonaise and Juliusz Słowacki’s poem *Among Confusion – God Strikes*, which prophetically anticipated the arrival of a Slavic pope. The audience joined the youth in singing *Abba Father* and even joined in rapping the energetic piece *There’s No One Better Than John Paul II*.
The presentation concluded with an excerpt from John Paul II’s poem *Roman Triptych* and a moving dramatization of the Pope’s passing to the Father’s house. A multimedia slideshow displayed powerful images from his pontificate, paired with excerpts from his speeches. The setting featured a striking visual of a cross with the papal flag, the words *Let Your Spirit Descend...*, and a portrait of the Holy Father.
The carefully selected poems, musical pieces, moving recitations, and heartfelt dramatizations created a beautiful and emotional performance—many had tears in their eyes.
A heartfelt thank you to the young performers: Ewa Grabowska, Emilia Michalak, Hubert Dorn, Julian Głowacz, and Marek Subernat; to the director, Alicja Ptasznik; and to those behind the lighting and sound: Witold Dziekan, Marek Mroziewski, and pastor Fr. Witold Mroziewski. This special evening will remain in our hearts. Since the Mass took place on the eve of Mother’s Day, all mothers received flowers and well-wishes from the priest and the youth.
Anniversaries connected with Blessed John Paul II offer wonderful moments for shared prayer and for recalling the person, teachings, and spirit of our great compatriot, who now watches over us and blesses us from the Father’s house.
ZOFIA TWAROWSKA