The idea of Papal Evenings, as it often happens, was developing gradually. At the time of my arrival to Rome, two years ago, when my husband was appointed as the Permanent Representative of Poland to FAO, I realized that after so many years of close, almost family, relationship with John Paul II, after my studies and many works written about His philosophy and poetry, I wanted so much over here, in Rome, this undertaking that was and still is my great fascination as well as my eternal, unpaid debt of gratitude and love for the Pope – continue.

We have talked a lot about protection and cultivation of the John Paul II heritage with my friends from the John Paul II Foundation – Msgr. Stefan Wylężek and Jola Szpilarewicz. During our conversations, Archbishop Szczepan Wesoły – “mind” full of wisdom and warm-heartedness, was for us a great inspiration and support. Broad-minded, ready to help and cooperate, with a deep understanding of John Paul II intention, accompanied the creation process of the Foundation’s action. Our discussions were preceded by our weekly prayers during the Masses on every Thursday at 7:00 a.m. at the Pope’s tomb.

On May 18^th, 2009 passed the 89^th anniversary of John Paul II birth as well as the 30^th anniversary of the Encyclical “Redemptor Hominis” publication. We decided to honor this date with a Mass at St. Stanislaus Church. Archbishop Szczepan Wesoły celebrated and delivered homily along with invited bishops and priests. After the Mass, the first from the Papal Evenings series meeting dedicated to the theological and anthropological aspects of “Redemptor Hominis” was held. Msgr. Stefan Wylężek welcomed all guests that came in numbers; the entire hall at the St. Stanislaus Church was full. Lectures were delivered by - Prof. Father Wojciech Giertych, theologian to the pontifical household and Prof. Stanislaw Grygiel – lecturer at Lateran University. I was moderating panel discussions. The Center for Research and Documentation of the Pontificate of Pope John Paul II prepared a multimedia presentation, thanks to which we were able to see the encyclical script handwritten by Pope John Paul II with a pen with a black ink. The meeting was well received; the panel discussions lasted for a long time as well as discussions in lobby with a glass of wine and cookies.

In June 2009, was passing another anniversary of Pope’s first pilgrim to His homeland that started all the changes. Beside the Mass that traditionally was celebrated by Archbishop Wesoły, an evening of Ann Nehrebecka’s poetry and memories from those days was organized. Mrs. Anna Nehrebecka was visiting Rome at that time. Many individuals gave their testimonies during the meeting.

As both meetings were well received and appeared to be an answer to the expectations expressed by all people who were interested in John Paul II thoughts and personality and also a partial satisfaction for their longing for Him, we decided to “go after the strike”. I prepared scripts for all meetings for the entire year starting from October 2009 through November 2010. I consulted my idea with Msgr. Stefan Wylężek and Andrzej Dobrzyński from the Centre for Research and Documentation of the Pontificate of Pope John Paul II. The finished proposal was presented to Cardinal Dziwisz who accepted it.

The Papal Evenings were held the entire year and, I hope, will continue to be held throughout the entire academic year, gathering faithful audience. We were discussing John Paul II personality and thoughts – His youth time, poetry, theater, mystic and beauty fascination; His vocation path and II World War experiences; His encyclicals, Apostolic Letters. We were honoring the anniversary of His death. Invitations to our Papal Evenings were accepted, among others, by: Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko, Poland’s Ambassador to the Holy See Hanna Suchocka, Rev. dr Mieczysław Maliński and Prof. Danuta Michałowska from Krakow – Pope’s friends from youth, also Rev. dr Hieronim Fokciński and Rector Paweł Ptasznik, Prof. Zdzisław Kijas and many, many other excellent and competent individuals whom I cannot list in this short article. However, we will pay a tribute by issuing a book that will document Papal Evenings in Rome 2009-2010. The book is right now ongoing editorial work. I hope that we will be able to issue the book in fall. At that time, taking this book into a hand, the “Biuletyn” readers will become a part of the meetings that are deepening the ideas and personality of Pope John Paul II.

Taking the opportunity, I would like to express my sincere thank you to All who contributed and still contribute to the Papal Evenings that are successful and each time gather more people. I would like to thanks to both Cardinals – Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz and Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko for their friendly support. Msgr. Stefan Wylężek and Mrs. Jola Szpilarewicz - thanks to their work and initiative the Evenings begun. I would like to express our deep thanks to Archbishop Szczepan Wesoły as well as Father dr Krzysztof Wieliczko and Mrs. Anna Kielech who took over the organizational part of the Evenings. I’m thankful to Rev. Andrzej Dobrzyński from the Centre and all Sisters from Cassi, who many times provided essential help with my preparation of various subjects for the Evenings. Last, but not least – I’m thankful to Rector Paweł Ptasznik – master of the St. Stanislaw Church for continuous hospitality and all Sisters of Sacred Heart, who are always helpful.

Anna Karoń-Ostrowska