Karol Darmoros
Vatican Media Honored
The Benemerenti award was granted to the Polish section of Vatican Radio, “L’Osservatore Romano” and Vatican News “for promoting values serving peace and security.”
The award was jointly received by Andrea Tornielli, editorial director of Vatican media, his deputy and head of Vatican Radio – Vatican News Massimiliano Menichetti, and also the director of the Polish section, Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik.
Media Mission in Service of the Holy Father
In their speeches, representatives of Vatican media emphasized that the Polish section plays a significant role in the Church’s media mission. In the past year alone, content prepared in Polish for Vatican media was viewed approximately one billion times.
Director Andrea Tornielli noted that over the years, the Polish editorial team has become one of the key components in the Vatican’s communication system. He pointed to the long tradition and contribution of the Jesuits to the development of this section, as well as the work of Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik.
In a speech delivered in Polish, Andrea Tornielli spoke about the crucial task of Vatican media. “Our mission has been and is to carry the voice of the Successor of Peter wherever people are, and to build bonds and contacts. The Polish language editorial team has become an example for our entire media system,” he said.
Massimiliano Menichetti, responsible for Vatican Radio-Vatican News, drew attention to the central place of the Polish language in documenting faith and the history of the Church. “The Polish language guarded faith during the dark years of totalitarianism, and today, through Vatican Radio, Vatican News, and ‘L’Osservatore Romano,’ it proclaims the beauty of the Gospel and interprets events in the light of the Church’s social doctrine,” he emphasized. He also added that in a world marked by violence and injustice, Vatican media carry a “horizon of hope” and – as the Pope said – “disarmed and disarming communication.”
The directors of Vatican media, as well as Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik and Wojciech Rogacin, who work in the Polish section, were also honored with “Milito Pro Christo” medals.
Jubilee of the Ordinariate
Field Bishop Wiesław Lechowicz emphasized that the jubilee gala was primarily an expression of gratitude. “Both to those who contributed to St. John Paul II’s decision to re-establish the Field Ordinariate, and to those who daily support the service of the field bishopric and military chaplains,” he said.
The Field Ordinary noted that the ceremony was also a look into the future and a reminder that “the Field Ordinariate will always serve the soldiers of the Polish Army, officers of the Border Guard and the State Protection Service, and their loved ones, families, in conditions of security and peace.” “May it be so, may this hope constantly accompany us and be realized,” emphasized Field Bishop Wiesław Lechowicz.
Honoring Polish Soldiers
This year’s Benemerenti awards from the Field Bishop were also granted to important commands and institutions forming the Polish Army. These include the Operational Command of the Branches of the Armed Forces, the Inspectorate for Armed Forces Support, and the Karol Kurpiński Representative Air Force Orchestra.
“Security is not a state where nothing happens, because such a state does not exist. Security is a state where, in the event of a threat, we react instantly. This is what the Armed Forces and the Operational Command do,” said Operational Commander of the Branches of the Armed Forces, Gen. Maciej Klisz, thanking the entire team he works with daily.
Gen. Dariusz Mendrala, Head of the Inspectorate for Support of the Branches of the Armed Forces, also expressed gratitude to his subordinates. “I want to dedicate this award to the thousands of unnoticed, often underestimated employees and soldiers of logistical services who, every day, regardless of weather and challenges, 24 hours a day, in many corners of the country and the world, provide support for our soldiers and allied forces’ soldiers,” assured Gen. Mendrala.
Lt. Col. Paweł Joks, commander of the Representative Air Force Orchestra, thanked for the Benemerenti award. “This is an expression of appreciation for the multi-generational, long-standing work, dedication, and commitment of my musicians and their families, who, through art, accompany the most important state and religious ceremonies,” he said.
Benemerenti Awarded for Over 30 Years
The Benemerenti award (“to the well-deserving”) was established in the Field Ordinariate in 1995 to highlight “the merits of individuals who bear witness to the highest values, which are truth and justice.”
