English
On Sunday, 15 October 2023, for the twenty-third time, Poland and Polish communities will celebrate Papal Day, accompanied this year by the motto: John Paul II — Civilisation of Life.
During the press conference announcing the next edition of the Pope’s Day, held at the House of the Warsaw Archbishops on 5 October, Father Dariusz Kowalczyk, Chairman of the „Work of the New Millennium” Foundation Board, recalled the most critical assumptions of the event and referred to this year’s slogan. „From the beginning, the Papal Day has had four dimensions: the prayer and spirituality dimension, the intellectual, cultural-artistic, and charitable dimensions. The essence of this year’s celebration is St. John Paul II’s reflection reminding us that human life is sacred and has inalienable dignity at all stages,” Fr. Kowalczyk said.
In the context of John Paul II’s teaching, he reminded us that „human life never ends because Christ leads us to eternal life.” „This is the most essential thought. John Paul II taught that every human being must be allowed to be born and to live and that the world should be hospitable to everyone,” Fr. Kowalczyk added.
This year, Pope’s Day falls on Sunday, 15 October. A week before the event, on Sunday, 8 October, a letter from the Polish Bishops announcing the event will be read in churches in Poland. (see the <<<< Content of the Letter).
Its content was referred to by Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz, Chairman of the „Work of the New Millennium” Foundation’s Council, who, during a conference, introduced the event’s subject. „With this message, we reach out to all the parishes of our homeland. We are committed to celebrating this day to honour the pontificate of John Paul II and pass on its significance to future generations.,” said the Metropolitan of Warsaw.
Cardinal Nycz also referred to the 45th anniversary of Cardinal Wojtyła’s election to the See of Peter, which falls on 16 October. „This anniversary had to be inserted into the Pope’s Day celebrations theme. For me, it is so important because it reminds us to reach the essence of the pontificate of John Paul II. We need to transmit to others this pontificate, as the other great pontificates of the 20th century. This year’s theme carries one of the most current messages of the Polish Pope”. – Cardinal Nycz added.
Every year, the Foundation’s scholarship recipients are involved in organising the Pope’s Day. They will visit churches to witness faith and thank the Donors for their support. The Foundation’s collaborators have prepared various events throughout Poland, including fairs, running competitions, concerts, and family activities.
On Friday, 13 October, a scientific conference entitled. „Transhumanism: a man of the future or an imagined man?” will be held. A Mass will precede the meeting at St. Anne’s Academic Church in Warsaw at 10:00 a.m. The debate begins at 11:00 a.m. at the House of the Warsaw Archbishops (Miodowa Street 17/19) in Warsaw.
Then, on Saturday, 14 October, the annual TOTUS TUUS 2023 Awards Gala will be held at the Royal Castle in Warsaw. Statuettes in the shape of an angel taking flight will be presented to individuals and institutions who, inspired by the teachings of St. John Paul II, make a notable contribution to the growth of the civilisation of love. The so-called „Catholic Nobel Prizes” will be awarded in four categories: Promotion of human dignity, Achievements in the field of Christian culture, Promotion of the teaching of Saint John Paul II, and MEDIA TOTUS TUUS, named after Bishop Jan Chrapek. A special prize will also be awarded. << Nominees for the TOTUS TUUS 2023 Award << Nominowani do nagrody TOTUS TUUS 2023
On Sunday, 15 October, in the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Warsaw, at 9 a.m., Bishop Piotr Turzyński, the Polish Bishops’ Delegate for the Pastoral Care for Poles Abroad, will preside over a Mass broadcast on the Polish Radio. On the same day, in the Divine Providence Church in Warsaw, at 9 a.m., Father Dariusz Kowalczyk will celebrate Holy Mass for the intention of the donors of the „Work of the New Millennium” Foundation. Half an hour later, at 9.30 a.m., at the Sanctuary of St. John Paul II in Kraków, a Eucharist will begin under the presidency of Bishop Robert Chrząszcz, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Kraków.
An annual church and public fundraising for educational scholarships for young, talented, poor people from small towns and cities accompany the celebration of the Pope’s Day. Support new scholarships by texting „STYPENDIA” to 74265 or donating to collecting boxes in churches or on city streets. Detailed information: www.dzielo.pl
Foundation „Dzieło Nowego Tysiąclecia” (The Work of the New Millennium) / Press Office of the Polish Bishops’ Conference
Translated by Sr. Ewa Dobrzelecka / Office for Foreign Communication of the Polish Bishops’ Conference
