"I am a Pole, therefore I have Polish obligations" – these beautiful and truthful words by Roman Dmowski were brought to life on October 6, 2013, at the 76th Pulaski Parade in New York City. A beautiful, if slightly cloudy day brought together crowds of Poles from several East Coast states. It wasn’t too cold or too hot. There were no complaints about the weather. Sure, it could’ve been sunnier to better showcase our vibrant national colors and the Polish spirit...
In the eyes of the onlookers behind the barricades, one could spot pride, tears, joy, wonder, and even amazement. Some attend to fulfill their 'Polish duty' and support what was once called the 'Polish cause'; others come out of curiosity, and many with no Polish ties are still captivated for hours by the culture, tradition, and history on display. Some (I know a few personally) come just to admire the beauty of Polish women… but back to the point—here’s a short quote:
"I ask you to accept once again with faith, hope, and love all this spiritual heritage that is called POLAND—the kind of love Christ implants in us at baptism—so that you never doubt, never tire, never become discouraged, and never cut yourselves off from the roots from which we grow." – John Paul II
Looking at this year’s Parade (as with those in the past), one can confidently say that we Poles, at least here in the diaspora, remain faithful to the guidance of our Slavic and Polish Holy Father.
I’ve already mentioned the strong turnout of our compatriots at a place where they can truly feel Polish within the massive melting pot of America’s ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity.
This is OUR TIME—a moment when WE, THE POLISH, can show America, New York, and in a way the whole world—and it’s not arrogant to say so—WHAT POLISHNESS MEANS!
The short but powerful phrase “To be Polish is to be Catholic” finds full expression at the Pulaski Parade. Just look at the participating Polish organizations, institutions, parishes, schools, and businesses. Most reference our Christian roots and Catholic traditions, unafraid of rejection—or let’s be blunt—ridicule in today’s liberal and hedonistic world.
I dare say, and I stand by this claim: the vast majority of Polish schools on the East Coast bear the names of saints (both Polish and non-Polish), our parishes as well. Then there’s the prominent presence of rosary societies, choirs, and the proud faith of our people—all highlighting a national trait: Catholicism. What is Poland most famous for around the world?
We have the most beautiful women—that’s a fact. We make the best vodka. Our cuisine is second to none. We are known for our diligence, honesty, and conscience. But above all, we are a profoundly Catholic nation. It is this Catholicism that helped us survive the most painful chapters of our history.
I know some of us are uncomfortable with this label and, in a way, stereotype—POLE-CATHOLIC—but that’s how the world sees us. And that identity has been, is, and will remain our GREATEST STRENGTH!
I remember one of my Irish friends—who comes from a similarly Catholic country—once told me he couldn’t understand how we, Poles, allowed the removal of the cross from in front of the Presidential Palace after the Smolensk tragedy. He said bluntly: "That could happen anywhere else, but not in Poland, Ireland, or Italy. You Poles are the STRONGHOLD of Catholicism in the world, and your Pope was, is, and will always be the Peter of our times—a true rock and a beacon of hope for the future."
I saw it, heard it, and felt it from the float of the New York Circle of Friends of the John Paul II Foundation during the Parade, as the crowd proudly and joyfully chanted with us: "There’s no one better than John Paul the Second!!!"
JAN BIEROWIEC, New York, October 6, 2013