Permanent Council of the Polish Bishops' Conference on the situation in Ukraine and current pastoral issues (communiqué after the session)
The situation in Ukraine and current pastoral issues were the main topics of the meeting of the Permanent Council of the Polish Bishops' Conference. The bishops debated on 2nd May on the eve of the feast of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Poland, at Jasna Góra.
During the session of the Permanent Council, the bishops discussed the activity of the Church in the face of the drama of the war in Ukraine. They listened to reports on the activities carried out by Caritas Polska and the Council of the Polish Bishops' Conference for Migration, Tourism and Pilgrimages. “The enormous commitment of the Polish society to the organization of direct aid to the Ukrainian people was emphasized, both in the form of material support and a large number of initiatives triggered by this dramatic situation. Poles have the right to expect similar help, support and solidarity from other European countries, ”we read in the statement issued after the meeting. In it, the bishops also expressed their gratitude to parishes, Catholic movements, church organizations and, above all, millions of believers for the help they could provide to refugees from Ukraine in need. "The Permanent Council urges us not to cease in this help, both material and spiritual," wrote the bishops.
The second topic of the meeting was the current pastoral situation of the Church in Poland and the Church's pastoral plan in Poland for 2022/2023, the motto of which will be the words: "I believe in the Church of Christ". "It will include basic content related to faith in the Church, the expectations expressed by Pope Francis, and all that was born in the spirit of the synodal process. Issues such as the opening of the parish to migrants or the ecumenical dimension in the pastoral ministry were also raised, 'we read in the release.
In connection with tomorrow's central celebrations in honour of Our Lady, Queen of Poland, which this year are combined with a national thanksgiving for the beatification of Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński and Mother Elżbieta Róża Czacka, members of the Permanent Council of the Polish Bishops' Conference recalled the merits of the Primate of the Millennium for the Church and Fatherland and his devotion to Mary.
At the end, they encouraged everyone to "put hope in God and trust in the intercession of the Lady of Jasna Góra, the Queen of Poland, in these difficult times."
We publish the full text of the announcement:
COMMUNIQUÉ
OF THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE POLISH BISHOPS 'CONFERENCE
AFTER THE MEETING AT JASNA GÓRA ON 2nd MAY 2022
On 2nd May 2022, on the eve of the feast of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Poland, the Permanent Council of the Polish Episcopal Conference chaired by Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki met at Jasna Góra. The meeting was devoted to the situation in Ukraine and current pastoral issues.
1. The main point of the bishops' discussion was the assessment of the Church's activity in the face of the drama of the war in Ukraine. The bishops listened to reports on the activities carried out by Caritas Polska and the Council of the Polish Episcopal Conference for Migration, Tourism and Pilgrimages. The enormous involvement of the Polish society in the organization of direct aid to the Ukrainian population was emphasized, both in the form of material support and a large number of initiatives triggered by this dramatic situation. Poles have the right to expect similar help, support and solidarity from other European countries. The bishops would like to express their gratitude to parishes, Catholic movements, diocesan church organizations headed by Caritas Polska and Caritas, and above all to the millions of believers for the enormous help that could be given to sisters and brothers in Ukraine in need. The Permanent Council urges us not to cease in this help, both material and spiritual. It calls on everyone to be generous in volunteering wherever it is needed. It may concern many activities, incl. organizing joint summer camps with Ukrainian children, learning Polish, or supporting the "Family to Family in Poland" program.
2. The Permanent Council analysed the current pastoral situation of the Church in Poland. Prayer, pastoral and social initiatives emerging throughout the country will have a concrete translation into the pastoral plan of the Church in Poland for 2022/2023, the motto of which will be "I believe in the Church of Christ". It will include basic content related to faith in the Church, the expectations expressed by Pope Francis, and all that was born in the spirit of the synodal process. Issues such as the opening of the parish to migrants and the ecumenical dimension in the pastoral ministry were also discussed.
The 3rd meeting of the Permanent Council was preceded by the central ceremonies in honour of Our Lady, Queen of Poland. This year they are combined with a national thanksgiving for the beatification of Card. Stefan Wyszyński and Mother Elżbieta Róża Czacka, which took place on 12th September last year. The bishops recall the great merits of the Primate of the Millennium for the Church and the Fatherland, as well as his devotion to Mary, which was completed at Jasna Góra, before the image of the Black Madonna, by the vows of the Nation.
The members of the Permanent Council encourage everyone to put their hope in God in these difficult times and to trust the intercession of the Lady of Jasna Góra, the Queen of Poland. Before her throne, they embrace all compatriots in the country and abroad with their prayers and give them a pastoral blessing.
The Permanent Council of the Polish Bishops' Conference
2nd May 2022
Translated by A.Z. Warchoł / the Office for Foreign Communication of the Polish Bishops’ Conference
