Fr. Łukasz Bankowski – Vatican
In a greeting addressed to Polish pilgrims, the Holy Father combined the tradition of the harvest festival with the biblical image of the earth yielding its fruit. He encouraged remembering the work of farmers and reminded that daily bread is the fruit of their effort and God’s blessing.
Here is the full text of the papal greeting:
“I cordially greet the Poles. In these days during the harvest festival, giving thanks for the crops of the earth, with the Psalmist we praise the Creator: «The earth has yielded its fruit; God, our God, has blessed us» (Ps 67:7). Let us entrust the work of farmers to the Lord, thanks to whom we do not lack our daily bread. May Mary, the most beautiful flower of the earth, protect your families and fields! I bless you all!”.
Poles at the audience
Numerous groups of pilgrims from Poland participated in Wednesday’s audience. Among them were members of the Community of Friends of St. Zygmunt Szczęsny Feliński from Rzeszów and pilgrims led by Capuchins from Lubartów.
The faithful from parishes in Szyszki, Radom, Mława, Szydłów, Warsaw, Kamionki, and Krotoszyn also arrived in the Vatican.
Also present were members of the “Niepełnosprawni Plus” (Disabled Plus) Association from Starachowice and representatives of the City Hall of Tomaszów Mazowiecki, on a pilgrimage on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of establishing St. Anthony as the patron saint of the city and county.
