“The institution of the John Paul II Foundation was related to the election of Cardinal Karol Wojtyła as the successor of St. Peter as well as to the deep desire of many of the Polish emigrants to respond to this historic moment through a certain gesture of solidarity and love for the Holy Father” – this was written regarding the beginning of the Vatican Foundation in the foreword by the Polish Primate, Archbishop Józef Kowalczyk, who witnessed the creation and development of this work, which has been in existence for over thirty years.
Faith, patriotism and commitment of the Foundation members – mainly from the Polish community abroad – comprised a potential that over the years needed guidance in outlining the field of activities. The execution of these activities was discussed during the meetings with Pope John Paul II, later Benedict XVI, the members of the Administrative Council, Circles of Foundation Friends and with the employees of each institution members of the Foundation. Speeches delivered on these occasions are a testimony to how the papal advice and instructions were forged into a certain program of the Foundation. These speeches provide a record of the Foundation’s history and provide evidence of gratitude to the donors, many of which are anonymous. The speeches are also an expression of warm memory for those who supported the work of the Foundation, many of them have already passed away.
The thirtieth anniversary of the Foundation has become an occasion to entrust the members, friends and those who have benefited from the fruits of the Foundation’s activity with a collection of papal speeches entitled “Do not cease this good work. Papal discourses to the members of John Paul II Foundation”, issued at the expense of the Center for Research and Documentation of the Pontificate. Although the title of the publication indicates the recipient, the collected texts are of universal character – like the Foundation, which despite its Polish profile encompassed many nationalities and countries.
The publication is a kind of compendium that allows a better understanding of the relationship between the Christian culture and Polish culture, between an attitude of patriotism and the process of integration within different communities and cultures. Understanding these relationships is important in the development of national self-awareness and religious identity in the era of the cultural pluralism.
Among the presented speeches interesting materials about Poles living abroad can be found. John Paul II in his speeches devoted much attention to the role of emigration in creating culture. He also emphasized the need to support and create the conditions for the integration of the Polish community abroad and for the development of openness to the culture of countries to which the fate has threw our countrymen.
Today, the Church under the leadership of Pope Benedict XVI is invited to take a common reflection on the new evangelization – facing the disturbing diagnosis of contemporary culture, called ephemeral, characterized in a great measure by egocentrism and focused on the needs of the individual. The brotherhood and solidarity of the Foundation members, people of different nationalities, united around the pontificate of blessed John Paul II, are a testimony to the integrating role of the Gospel and the Church.
The Center for Research and Documentation of the Pontificate is preparing to issue the collection of speeches in the two other languages – English and Italian. Detailed information on the publication can be obtained at the Polish Home in via Cassia 1200 in Rome or at: info@jp2doc.org
Sr. Julia Knurek SSCJ and Fr. Andrzej Dobrzyński