Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer, Director PolishYoungstown
Youngstown, OH – PolishYoungstown, in collaboration with St. Columba Cathedral, is pleased to announce the return of Gorzkie Żale and Benediction Service, an ancient Polish Lenten tradition that offers a solemn reflection on the Passion of Christ. The bilingual service will take place at 6:00 PM on Wednesdays during Lent: February 25, March 4, 11, 18, and 25 at St. Columba Cathedral, 154 W Wood Street, Youngstown, OH 44503. Fr. Joseph Rudjak and Deacon Mark Izzo will serve as presiders. Accompanist Luke Politsky will provide musical support for the service.
A Time-Honored Polish Tradition
Gorzkie Żale, translated as the Bitter Lamentation, is a 45-minute bilingual prayer service deeply rooted in Polish Catholic heritage. Participants will contemplate Christ’s suffering, injustice, and sacrifice through readings, hymns, and prayer intentions, as detailed in Scripture. The service consists of three parts, each featuring hymns and meditations on Christ’s Passion and a heartfelt dialogue between Christ and the sorrowful Blessed Mother as she grieves for her dying Son. The haunting melodies and deeply reflective prayers inspire profound devotion and a deeper love for Christ’s sacrifice for humanity.
A Revival of Faith and Community
This traditional devotion was once an integral part of the calendar at Polish-founded parishes worldwide, as it was in St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish on Youngstown’s Southside. Since the closing of these churches, this meaningful service has been unavailable locally until recently, when it was brought back by PolishYoungstown. We are so happy to have been welcomed to hold these services at St. Columba Cathedral.
All Are Welcome
All community members, regardless of background, are encouraged to come together for prayer, reflection, and fellowship. A free-will offering will be collected to support St. Vincent de Paul and Cathedral security expenses.
For more information, please contact PolishYoungstown at (330) 333-9724.
Experience Gorzkie Żale
For those unfamiliar with this cherished tradition, learn more here: https://www.tektonministries.org/gorzkie-zale/.
Listen to a sample from Chicago here:
