OCTOBER 13 – POPE’S DAY, A CONCERT FOR BLESSED JOHN PAUL II
The Sunday preceding the historic date of October 16—the election of Cardinal Karol Wojtyła as successor of Saint Peter—is celebrated in the Catholic Church in Poland as Pope’s Day. It is a day of gratitude and spiritual unity with the Holy Father, Blessed John Paul II. The aim is to spread his teachings through media debates, academic sessions, liturgical celebrations, gatherings, and prayer vigils. Numerous cultural events are also organized: poetry evenings, concerts. On Sunday, October 13, the New York Circle of Friends of the John Paul II Foundation joined this effort by organizing a youth musical and vocal concert: “A Tribute to Blessed John Paul II.”
Friends, supporters, and benefactors of the Foundation came in large numbers to the Polish & Slavic Center in Greenpoint to celebrate the 35th anniversary of our Fellow Countryman’s elevation to the Papal Throne together with musically, vocally, and poetically talented Polish-American youth.
In the first part of the concert, religious and sacred songs were performed, including: “Ave Maria,” “Czarna Madonna,” and “Maryja śliczna Pani.” This was followed by classical music pieces composed by G. Puccini, H. Wieniawski, and E. Morricone. This part concluded with a communal singing of John Paul II’s favorite hymn “Barka.” In the second part, the young artists presented famous pop classics. The audience was especially moved by “Dumka na dwa serca” and enthusiastically joined in for “Hej, sokoły!”
Performers singing and playing for John Paul II included: Ewelina Backiel, Iza Holy, Maja Hussein, Agnes Kalinowski, Tomek Kozakiewicz, Viktoria Luczak, Joanna Mieleszko, Paulina Nowakowska, Victoria Policht, Ela Raczkowska, Julia Raczkowska, and Krystyna Wirkowska. Anita Sztukowska recited two poems of her own authorship: “Polska to moja Ojczyzna” and “Duma.” Her poetry is deeply nostalgic, evoking memories of her homeland.
These young artists moved us with their performance, enchanting us with beautiful voices, expressive delivery, and a rich and diverse repertoire. Their artistic mentor is Teresa Rysztof, a painter and well-known figure in the Polish-American community.
This concert will remain in our memory for a long time, especially as this year’s Pope’s Day directly precedes the canonization of Blessed John Paul II. We thank everyone who honored the event with their presence, especially the generous donors and Teresa Rysztof, who organized this artistic program.
Our gathering concluded with a communal singing of the hymn “Abba, Father.”
ZOFIA TWAROWSKA