Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik, Artur Hanula
Formation camps for the scholars of the “New Millennium Foundation” (Fundacja „Dzieło Nowego Tysiąclecia”) have been taking place for over 20 years in various Polish cities, particularly those associated with St. John Paul II. This year, approximately 750 people arrived in Siedlce, which the Polish Pope visited in 1999. This is one of three Foundation camps held this year.
Auxiliary Bishop Grzegorz Suchodolski of Siedlce and the camp participants emphasized in an interview with Vatican News that this is a time for deepening relationships with God and making lifelong friendships.
Adoration in the Pouring Rain
One of the most beautiful sights, which deeply moved the clergy and youth supervisors, was the Eucharistic adoration in Pratulin. It took place in the rain. “The youth knelt in the square before the Blessed Sacrament,” Bishop Suchodolski recounted. “Most of them were under tents, but about 100 young people knelt on the pavement in the pouring rain, adoring Jesus Christ. For us, it was truly very moving to witness the faith of these young people.”
Youth for Both Dance and Rosary
The camp program was rich. It included, among other things, prayer at the shrine of the blessed martyrs in Pratulin, as well as visits to Kodeń, Kostomłoty, and Janów Podlaski. The youth not only participated in religious events but also had the opportunity to visit the famous horse stud in Janów Podlaski, take part in workshops, and engage in sports competitions. “These young people are truly ready for both dancing and praying the rosary,” Bishop Suchodolski noted.
Friends of Jesus
The youth stayed in the diocese from July 20 to 28. The event began on July 21 with a solemn Holy Mass in the Cathedral of Siedlce, presided over by Bishop Kazimierz Gurda. An important event of the camp was the first Mass (primicia) celebrated by three newly ordained priests who are alumni of the Foundation.
With the Youth’s Future in Mind
Kacper Kowalczyk from the Diocese of Siedlce, a scholar of the “New Millennium Foundation” and head of its press office, emphasized in an interview with Vatican News that the camp was an opportunity to build friendships. He added that those attending the event for another consecutive time could not wait to meet their friends. As he noted, first-time participants “often leave deeply moved because they meet so many new people.”
Time at the camp is also a great opportunity to think about the future of the young people. The scholars participated in workshops and lectures organized at the University of Siedlce.
Kacper Kowalczyk reported that Sunday is the day at the camp when the scholars reach out to the residents of the host diocese. This time, they visited all the parishes in Siedlce. The young people shared testimonies about how the scholarships they receive impact their lives. At the end of the day, a concert was held, attended not only by the scholars but by all interested individuals. The band “Tylko Ty” (Only You), composed of Foundation alumni, performed.
Lasting Friendships
Dominika Roszkowska, a scholar of the “New Millennium Foundation,” came to Siedlce as a representative of the Foundation’s press office. “This camp was exceptional for me, much like every foundation camp, because I experience the incredible energy of the young Church. I am always moved by the sight of churches filled with young people,” she told Vatican News.
Dominika Roszkowska noted that participating in the camps is an opportunity to meet valuable people. “The best friendships are formed in the Foundation,” she concluded.
Before the Youth Arrived
Father Dariusz Kowalczyk, President of the Management Board of the “New Millennium Foundation,” contacted the Ordinary of the Diocese of Siedlce, Bishop Kazimierz Gurda, who gladly agreed to host the scholars this year. “Bishop Kazimierz, as well as we, the priests of this diocese, accepted this as a great honor for our diocese,” Bishop Suchodolski emphasized.
The Auxiliary Bishop of Siedlce added that this diocese is among the top four dioceses most generously supporting the “New Millennium Foundation.” “Therefore, it was obvious that we wanted to open our doors to the youth here,” the bishop pointed out.
The Diocese of Siedlce and the “New Millennium Foundation,” in cooperation with the city authorities and the University of Siedlce, organized the logistical base for approximately 750 scholars, alumni, and volunteers.
