he value and defense of human life is a key part of the Year of Faith. To highlight this message, the Vatican is focusing its attention on a document issued by Pope John Paul II back in  1995.

The encyclical is titled 'Evangelium Vitae,' which translates to 'The Gospel of Life.'  Its importance is widely recognized, especially now, issues like abortion and euthanasia are debated.

Celebrations in Lund on the occasion of the presentation of the Papal’s medal – Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For the Church and the Pope) to Dr. Jadwiga Kurkus

On May 17, 2013 we had an honor to welcome for the first time in Lund the Administrator of the John Paul II Foundation in Rome, Fr. Krzysztof Wieliczko.  His visit was combined with a joyful celebration of honoring more than twenty-years-long service of former president of the John Paul II Foundation, Lund Chapter, Dr. Jadwiga Kurkus.  After the solemn mass, Father Krzysztof presented to Ms. Jadwiga medal and diploma awarded by Pope Benedict XVI along with a special apostolic blessing.  The decree in Latin states that this award was given to Ms. Jadwiga for her achievements for the Catholic Church and for the entire life dedicated to God and for her special service to the Church.

This drop of blood was circulating in His veins, going through heart, nourishing brain, getting to every cell of His body.  This drop of blood could have remained on May 13, 1981 at the St. Peter’s Square, but He survived. Thanks to God.  This drop of blood accompanied Him in all pilgrimages, meetings with people.  This drop of blood was the witness of His love to God and other people, His prayer, work, teaching, His apostolic involvement.  This drop of blood was carried by miraculously healed nun s. Marie Simon-Pierre Normand during the solemn beatification on May 1^st, 2011.  This drop of blood went through another voyage, from Rome through Krakow to Wiesbaden.

Thanks to kindness of Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, the capsule with the drop of blessed John Paul II came to the Polish parish in Wiesbaden.  We are not sure how our pastor, Rev. Adam Prorok persuaded the Cardinal to transfer this drop of blood to our parish.  It is certain, that He was effective.  We are grateful to Cardinal Dziwisz and to our priest, Rev. Prorok.

On October 22, 2012 as a liturgical commemoration of the Blessed John Paul II in the Catholic Church, Rev. Tadeusz Śmiech, the pastor of the Holy Trinity Church, Franco-Polish parish in Lyon, celebrated solemn Mass to honor the relic “Ex Sanguine” of our beloved John Paul II.  

Precious reliquary, accepted by our community as the God’s Gift was placed by the altar decorated with white and red flowers, rosary and Vatican’s flag.