English
APPEAL
OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE POLISH BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE
AFTER THE NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL FIRE IN PARIS
/ to be read on Sunday of Resurrection /
People all over the world were watching with fear a disturbing image of the burning Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
The destiny of the heart of Paris, the heart of France and the heart of Europe was at stake for several hours. The Notre-Dame Cathedral, seriously damaged but saved, has united in pain and sorrow millions of people around the world. Today, the initiative of supporting the reconstruction of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, understood not only as a symbol of an invaluable cultural heritage of Europe but also as a symbol of Christian values, unites also us, Poles.
Therefore I appeal first to all Poles for material help in the reconstruction of the Cathedral, which we will transfer through SMS action and voluntary payments to Caritas Polska account, starting on Holy Wednesday.
I also appeal to all the baptized, especially to those who in recent years have forgotten about their Christian vocation, so that they rediscover Christ and become His courageous witnesses.
In the paschal time of passing with Christ from sorrow to joy, from despair to hope, from death to life, I impart my heartfelt blessing,
+ Stanisław Gądecki
Metropolitan Archbishop of Poznań
President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference
Vice-President of the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE)
