The President of the Polish Episcopate Encourages Hospitality Towards Refugees

Msgr. Gądecki said that the Baptism had above all a personal meaning for Mieszko I. The prince experienced a radical spiritual transformation. This did not imply the transition from one religion to another, i.e. from paganism to the Christian religion, but rather the transition from worshipping creatures to worshipping the Creator, from cult of the work of human hands to the divine worship to God Himself. – The reception of this Baptism led, from the first moments on, to the development of the nation's culture in all areas. There were very many eminent intellectuals in Poland at that time. All these creators, and also those who came later, were inspired by the faith, by Christian teachings—he added.

The Church in Poland, rooted in Christ through Baptism, is called to confess Her faith in Him with humility and courage, and to manifest it through acts of mercy. This is reflected in the concern for the refugees. The obligations of Christians in this area stem from divine Revelation and the Churches’ Tradition. Our Lord Jesus Christ and his family also experienced the fate of the refugees, when they had to flee from Herod’s wrath (cf. Mt 2:13–15). The task of the Churches is to educate hearts that, through concrete works of mercy, will help those who suffer, those who are fleeing from war, persecution and death. Such an attitude towards other people has been the hallmark of Christians since the origins of the Church—said the President of the Polish Episcopate.

Archbishop Stanislaw Gądecki recalled that, on 6 September 2015, Pope Francis asked: "every parish, every convent, and every sanctuary in Europe to adopt a refugee family." Thus, he encouraged us to assist and protect refugees of all religious confessions.

The President of the Polish Episcopate noted that Pope Francis also indicated the need to integrate the immigrants in European society. —Refugees should assume their responsibilities in relation with those of their hosts. They should also respect the material and spiritual heritage of the host country, obey its laws and contribute to its expenses. Consequently, according to the Pope, the politicians are responsible for their integration, and not multiculturalism postulated by the leftist circles.

We pray Our Lady of Jasna Gora for the refugees and migrants, far from their homes, their families and everything that is familiar to them, that they may experience her loving presence. May she lead them to a new home and to new hope. May she open our hearts, so that we adopt them as our sisters and our brothers, in whose faces we see the face of your Son, Jesus—prayed the President of the Polish Bishops' Conference.