Communiqué After the Council of Diocesan Bishops
The beatification of Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński and Mother Elżbieta Rosa Czacka, the Ad Limina visit of the Polish Bishops, the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican, and the situation of migrants and refugees – these are the most important issues raised in the communiqué of the session of the Diocesan Bishops’ Council held at Jasna Góra on August 25th.
Traditionally, the meeting of diocesan bishops took place on the eve of the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa. The session was presided over by Archbishop Stanislaw Gądecki, the President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference.
Referring to the beatification ceremonies of Cardinal Wyszynski and Mother Czacka, which will take place in less than three weeks, the Bishops noted that only a small number of people will be able to participate in the Mass on the site of the beatification. Therefore, they asked the faithful for understanding in face of the situation and to join in common prayer through special broadcasts and celebrations organized locally in cathedrals and parishes throughout Poland.
Referring to the Ad Limina visit of the Polish bishops, the communiqué emphasized that all reports required for such a visit have already been sent to the Vatican.
During the meeting, the Bishops also addressed preparations for Pope Francis’ convocation of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which will be inaugurated in a new format next October 9th and 10th in Rome. “The Bishops reviewed the general guidelines for the Synod’s work and reflected on their specific guidelines,” says the statement.
In view of the events on Poland’s eastern border, especially what is happening in Afghanistan, the diocesan Bishops stressed that the situation of migrants and refugees should always raise understanding, compassion, and assistance. “To those who are fleeing persecution, we should show an attitude of Christian hospitality, with due regard for existing laws that guarantee the safety of both the refugees and the host community,” the Bishops wrote in the statement.
Before the beginning of the new school year, the Bishops assured prayers for students, parents, and teachers. They also expressed gratitude to farmers for their work which ensures food security for the people of our homeland.
Press Office of the Polish Bishops’ Conference
We publish the full text of the Statement:
STATEMENT
OF THE COUNCIL OF DIOCESAN BISHOPS OF THE POLISH BISHOPS' CONFERENCE
AFTER THE MEETING AT JASNA GÓRA
ON 25 AUGUST 2021
On the eve of the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa, 25 August 2021, at Jasna Góra, the Council of Diocesan Bishops of the Polish Episcopal Conference met under the leadership of Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference. The meeting was devoted to current organizational and pastoral issues of the Church in our country.
In less than three weeks we will celebrate the long-awaited and, for Poland, exceptional beatification of the Servants of God Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, Primate of the Millennium, and the foundress of the Centre for the Blind in Laski, Mother Elżbieta Róża Czacka. The ceremony will take place in the Temple of Divine Providence in Warsaw on 12 September at noon. It will be presided over by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro. Due to the ongoing pandemic, it has been prepared in a dignified and modest way. The Bishops are aware that for this reason only a small number of people will be able to attend the Mass on the site of the beatification. Therefore, they earnestly ask the faithful for understanding in face of this particular situation and to join in the common prayer through special broadcasts and celebrations organized locally in cathedrals and parishes throughout Poland.
During the meeting, the topic of the upcoming Ad limina Apostolorum visit was discussed, particularly the logistics related to it. The purpose of the visit is the pilgrimage of the Bishops to the tombs of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. The Polish Bishops will go to Rome in four groups according to the administrative division into ecclesiastical provinces. The first will begin the visit on October 4th and the last will conclude on October 30th. During their stay, in addition to the Eucharist celebrated in the four major basilicas of the Eternal City, each group will be received in a special audience by Pope Francis and will meet with representatives of the Vatican Dicasteries. All reports required for such a visit have already been sent to the Vatican.
The Bishops also discussed preparations for Pope Francis’ convocation of the 14th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which will be inaugurated in a new format next October 9th and 10th in Rome. For the first time, a lay person will represent the Church in Poland at the inaugural session. The theme of the Synod is: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. This time it will be organized in three phases: diocesan, continental, and universal. The Bishops became acquainted with the general guidelines of the synodal work and reflected on their detailed directives.
In view of the events on Poland’s eastern border, and especially those in Afghanistan, the diocesan Bishops recall that the situation of migrants and refugees should always raise understanding, compassion, and help. To those who are fleeing persecution, we should show an attitude of Christian hospitality, while observing the applicable law which guarantees the safety of both refugees and the host community. We expect the state and local governments to work out appropriate mechanisms of assistance to refugees, which can be supported by the commitment of the Church in Poland. The Bishops also thank Caritas and the local communities for all their aid initiatives, as well as the soldiers and the Border Guards for their hard service. May Mary, Queen of Poland and Consoler of Migrants, be our guide and protector in this work.
Before the beginning of the new school year, diocesan Bishops pray for students, parents, and teachers, asking God to accord them light and graces. They express their gratitude to farmers for their work which ensures food security for the people of our homeland. They commend the entire nation to the intercessory care of Our Lady of Czestochowa and, before throne at her Jasna Gora, they pray for the intentions of all the Compatriots at home and abroad, giving their pastoral blessing.
Council of Diocesan Bishops of the Polish Episcopal Conference
25 August 2021
