There are days that we will always remember and we will keep in our hearts. One such day for the members of the John Paul II Foundation happened on April 16^th. On that day, we met on retreat prepared by the Foundation’s Administrator Father Krzysztof Wieliczko who came from Rome especially for us. The retreat was held at the Holy Rosary Church in Passaic. Rev. Stefan Las is the Pastor at this church.

The retreat’s program included a Mass, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Rosary and retreat teaching. Father Krzysztof cordially welcomed presidents of the Foundation Chapters and members. Then, the Thanksgiving Mass started in the intention of the Holy Father John Paul II. The leading theme of the sermon and retreat teaching were meditations on the holiness of the servant of God John Paul II, Pope’s role in the sister Faustina’s elevation to the altars, establishment of the Divine Mercy Sunday as well as the world entrustment to Divine Mercy in 2002, in Lagiewniki. Our retreat meeting honored with singing youth group, which professionally prepared music and songs for the mass and poetic program dedicated to our Holy Father. During the lunch break, arranged by women from the Foundation Chapter in New Jersey, Father Krzysztof talked about preparations to the beatification and mentioned pilgrims with John Paul II to the World Youth Days.

Integration and mutual exchange of experiences were also one of the main goals of the meeting of the John Paul II Foundation Chapters in New Jersey and New York.   At the end, Presidents of the Foundation Chapters: Mr. Mieczyslaw Pajak and Mieczyslaw Boksz, on their and all members’ behalf expressed gratitude to Father Krzysztof for preparation and leading of the retreat. Father Krzysztof while expressing his thanks for participating in the retreat, invited members of the chapters to Pope’s beatification and to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the John Paul II Foundation in Rome on October 22-23-24^th. This retreat helped us spiritually prepare to celebrate Easter and beatification of the Servant of God John Paul II.

Zofia Twarowska