Vatican News / Tomasz Zielenkiewicz
The Holy Mass was presided over by the Metropolitan of Warsaw, Archbishop Adrian Galbas, and was attended by President Karol Nawrocki, who lit the Candle of Independence.
Remembering the victims from Kraków
Referring to the Gospel about the ten lepers, Bishop Lechowicz recalled the words of Jesus: “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” He emphasized that they take on special significance on the day of celebrating independence, observed in the shadow of the tragic events in Kraków. He assured of prayer for the victims of the attack, asking for eternal salvation for the deceased and a return to health for the wounded.
Generations of believers in sovereignty and independence
The hierarch recalled that faith in sovereignty and independence accompanied successive generations of Poles, insurgents, soldiers, and the founding fathers of independence, among whom he mentioned Józef Piłsudski, Ignacy Paderewski, Wincenty Witos, Ignacy Daszyński, Roman Dmowski, and Wojciech Korfanti.
“Similar faith accompanies us today as well. The faith that we will not lose the treasure of freedom, that we will pass it on to future generations,” he said.
Threats to freedom
In the further part of the homily, Bishop Lechowicz pointed out threats to freedom. Among them, he mentioned disinformation, manipulation, and lies, including those stemming from particular interests present in the country. He recalled that freedom must be linked to truth, justice, and the common good.
He also recalled the words of Benedict XVI regarding the responsibility of politicians for justice and the rule of law. He drew attention to the importance of social solidarity, which—as he noted—contributed both to the regaining of independence in 1918 and to the transformations of 1989.
On public debate
He devoted a separate place to the language of public debate. Referring to the teachings of Leo XIV, he appealed to “disarm words” from aggression, contempt, deceit, humiliation, and hatred. “Words must be free, but not arbitrary,” he pointed out.
The prescription for healing
The bishop encouraged the adoption of the evangelical prescription for healing social life and putting it into everyday practice. “Caring for a healthy freedom is connected with caring for truth, justice, the common good, and mutual respect,” he emphasized.
In conclusion, he noted that although the nine healed did not show gratitude, it is worth imitating all ten in that they came to Jesus and did everything He told them. “Let us accept these recommendations and begin to implement them,” appealed Bishop Lechowicz.
(The author is an employee of Polish Radio S.A. in liquidation)
