16 October, in Poland” “

The permanent episcopal Council of the Polish Bishops’ Conference met on Wednesday, 13 April. Below is an interview with the general secretary, Bishop Piotr Libera , who speaks of the legacy left by John Paul II and the initiatives being taken in the country to commemorate it. What did John Paul II represent for Poland? “The faith of the Poles was severely put to the test during the long years of Communism. The ‘primate of the millennium’, Wyszynnski, worked tirelessly together with the whole Church to defend the faith and prepare the ground for the future. Without doubt, the pontificate of Karol Wojtyla promoted the further growth and reinforcement of the faith of the people, especially thanks to the ‘outpouring of the Spirit’ represented by his apostolic visits. In his journey to Poland in 1991, the Pope told us that before 1989 the Church had defended and given voice to those who did not have one, but now she had to defend man from himself. He spoke of the snares of libertarianism with all the risks that accompanied it. We in the Church are called, also thanks to his teaching, to preserve the freedom we have received, but at the same time prevent people going down the wrong road”. After the Pope’s death, are you thinking of promoting something official to commemorate him? “The permanent episcopal Council met on 13 April and the bishops discussed this question, among others. It has been decided to proceed on two levels: the first is the national level, the second that of each diocese. As for the national level, more specific decisions on the matter will be taken at the meeting of the bishops planned to be held at the sanctuary of Jasna Gura on 2 May. But already thought is being given to a pastoral letter addressed to the whole people of God in Poland, in which the achievements of this great pontificate of John Paul II would be summed up. In this pastoral letter, too, the bishops would indicate to the faithful the need to open themselves to the gift that God shall make to the whole of the universal Church with the new Pope, who should presumably have already been elected by this date. Again at the national level, the date of 16 October, anniversary of the election of Karol Wojtyla to the throne of St. Peter, has already for some years now been dedicated to him. Now we would like to further promote the celebration of this date. The permanent Council has reflected on the proposal made by political circles to turn 16 October into an official national holiday. As bishops, we need to try to keep distinct the civil and political from the religious and spiritual level. For that reason, the permanent Council has decided to leave this decision to the civil authorities, in full respect for their freedom of action. For our part, it was reaffirmed that the Polish Church intends to continue to honour the late Pope at the ecclesial level on 16 October”. How is this date being celebrated, and what could be added? “For the last five years a special concert has been held in honour of John Paul II, either in Warsaw or Krakow, on the day of his election: now it will be held in his memory. An academic symposium on the teachings of the Pope is also held on the same day; in future this could be extended in scope and devoted to a deeper examination of the whole of his pontificate. Moreover, 16 October has also become the day on which a fund-raising campaign is held, aimed at collecting money to fund scholarships for students from poor families to enable them to go to university. A system has been devised in Polish dioceses and parishes to identity these underprivileged but meritorious youngsters. At the present time 1300 are being helped with scholarships. Another idea that has emerged concerns the 2nd day in each month, which could be dedicated to evening prayers in churches for the soul of Karol Wojtyla. The appeal of Jasna Gura would be chanted, together with readings of passages from papal documents, and recitation of the rosary, ending at 21.37, the precise time of the death of John Paul II”. What will the dioceses propose? “We have information of scores of projects in commemoration of John Paul II in the dioceses, as in the parishes; they include pilgrimages, exhibitions, and competitions for the young to promote knowledge of John Paul II and his teachings. Among the novelties, discussion is being devoted to an internet site, a forum on which the young could exchange views on the life and work of the Pope”. What about the requests to have John Paul II buried in Poland? “None of us bishops has ever spoken of this request. It was a popular movement or the idea of some group. We are convinced that the Holy Father as pastor of the universal Church belongs to the whole Church and therefore it is right that his mortal remains should rest in St. Peter’s. This patriotic sentiment must give way to a feeling for the universal Church”. Are you planning any particular initiative on the occasion of the Conclave? “During the meeting of the permanent Council on Wednesday, an appeal was made to all the faithful to pray for the Conclave and for the cardinal electors. I know that the Holy Spirit is already being invoked for the future Pope in many churches throughout Poland”.