On December 26, 2014, in the festive atmosphere of the Christmas season, a special ceremony took place at St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Church in Manhattan. Distinguished Polish-American community activist Jadwiga Kawa was awarded the papal medal *Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice* (For Church and Pope).
This is one of the highest honors that the Catholic Church can bestow on a layperson in recognition of their dedicated service to the Church.
The award was presented during a concelebrated Mass with the participation of the Pauline Fathers from the American Czestochowa: Provincial Fr. Mikołaj Socha, Fr. Jerzy Maj, Fr. Tadeusz Lizińczyk – pastor of the Manhattan parish, and Fr. Krzysztof Wieliczko, current administrator of the John Paul II Foundation in Rome. The official decree, signed by Pope Francis, was read by Fr. Krzysztof Wieliczko. Jadwiga Kawa also received a letter from Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko – Chairman of the Foundation’s Council – thanking her for her service to the Church and the Foundation.
Many of Jadwiga Kawa’s friends from Polish-American organizations, scouting groups, and supplementary schools she worked with over the years came to honor her.
A large group came from the New York Chapter of the John Paul II Foundation, including its president, Mieczysław Pająk, as well as Mieczysław Boksz, president of the Foundation’s New Jersey Chapter.
It should be emphasized that Jadwiga Kawa has been involved with the New York Chapter from the very beginning, since its founding in 1997. She served as treasurer and was known for her diligence, kindness, Christian values, and willingness to help wherever needed.
Scouts from the Podhale troop attended in large numbers and sang the Scout’s Prayer for their longtime leader. Harcmistrzyni Jadwiga Kawa served as quartermaster at children’s scout camps in the American Czestochowa for many years. Also present were teachers and youth from the Polish Supplementary School named after Fr. Augustyn Kordecki in Manhattan, as well as other Polish schools. The Polish Supplementary Schools Council in America was represented by Jerzy Mokos.
Janusz Krzyżanowski, chairman of the Polish Combatants’ Association, was in attendance, as was Antoni Chróścielewski, representing the Association of Veterans of the Polish Army in New York and the Polish National Home.
Perhaps the most outstanding chapter of Mrs. Kawa’s charitable service was her work for St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Parish and the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. For decades, she supported numerous religious and cultural initiatives by the Pauline Fathers, offering her time, talent, and material support.
Currently, she resides in California with her daughter but remains in touch with the New York Polish community and, when possible, participates in Polish-American events.
After the religious ceremonies, guests gathered in the parish hall to offer their personal congratulations. Representatives of various organizations gave brief speeches and shared flowers, memories, and heartfelt emotions. The event featured a photo exhibition documenting her decades of service to the Church, scouting, youth, veterans, and the broader Polish-American community.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Jadwiga Kawa for this well-deserved honor. We wish her health, God’s blessings, and the protection of St. John Paul II.
ZOFIA TWAROWSKA