Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik, Artur Hanula
The 73rd Pilgrimage of the Polish diaspora to Holywell – the Lourdes of Wales – took place in Great Britain, combined with the administration of the sacrament of confirmation to Polish youth in the Our Lady of Częstochowa parish in Leeds, as well as meetings with seniors and representatives of the Polish veterans’ community in Bradford. Discussions were also held with the new Provincial Council of the Society of Christ and the trustees of the Polish Catholic Mission in England and Wales.
In the Welsh Lourdes
The pilgrimage to Holywell was held under the motto “Disciples – missionaries at the source of grace.” Poles from various parts of Great Britain gathered in large numbers at the local sanctuary of St. Winefride. At the miraculous spring of St. Winefride, participants renewed their baptismal vows and took part in a Rosary procession. Bishop Chrząszcz then gave a conference on the renewal of faith and the missionary vocation of Christians. “Each time we renew our baptismal vows, we face the same choice. Do I want to live as a child of God? Do I want to belong to Christ? Do I want to entrust my life to Him anew?” the bishop said.
In St. Winefride’s Church, there was adoration of the Blessed Sacrament combined with the opportunity for confession. This was preparation for the Holy Mass led by Bishop Chrząszcz, who encouraged the faithful to live their faith courageously, build vibrant parish communities, and take responsibility for transmitting the Gospel in emigration.
In the church in Holywell, there is an image of Our Lady of Częstochowa painted over 70 years ago by one of the religious brothers. The image accompanies the Polish diaspora during processions and other events.
Among the Polish Diaspora
In the Our Lady of Częstochowa parish in Bradford, Bishop Chrząszcz met with members of the “Golden Autumn” Senior Citizens’ Club. He thanked them for their many years of witness to faith. The KEP delegate also participated in the annual meeting with representatives of the Polish veterans’ community and in a dinner hosted by the Mayor of Bradford.
Polish Diaspora Ministry
The bishop also visited Laxton Hall, where, accompanied by Fr. Bogdan Kołodziej, rector of the PCM England and Wales, he met with the new Provincial Council of the Society of Christ for Poles Abroad and Sr. Małgorzata Kuziak, superior of the Delegation of the Missionary Sisters of Christ the King for Poles Abroad in Great Britain. The KEP Delegate for the Pastoral Care of Polish Emigration also held a meeting with the trustees of the Polish Catholic Mission in England and Wales.
Confirmation in Leeds
At the end of the visit, a confirmation ceremony took place in the Our Lady of Częstochowa parish in Leeds, which is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the church’s consecration. The Jubilee was an opportunity to gratefully remember the generation of Poles who contributed to the creation of the temple.
Fruitful Ministry
The presence of Bishop Robert Chrząszcz in England and Wales confirmed the vitality of Polish Catholic communities in Great Britain. The Church remains for Poles living abroad a place that unites the community, strengthens the bond with God, the Homeland, and other people.
Information from the KEP Press Office material was used in the text
