Sights & Sounds: Polish Apostolate honors faith, tradition, beloved saint
“May God bless our homeland, Poland, and may God bless America,” said Archbishop Janusz Stanisław Urbańczyk as he concluded his homily at the annual Mass for Poland, organized by the Archdiocese of Newark’s Polish Apostolate at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ.
Archbishop Urbańczyk, who was also the main celebrant at the Oct. 25 liturgy, is the Apostolic Nuncio to Zimbabwe, and is originally from the Warsaw region of Poland.
Many Polish and Polish American community organizations participated in the celebration, including the Polish Army Veterans’ Association of America, who marched in the procession in uniform and carried military standards. Members of the Polish Highlanders Alliance of New Jersey attended the Mass in traditional attire, representing the traditions of Poland’s southeaster highlands region, or Podhale, in the Tatra mountains.
Students proud of their Polish heritage also attended the liturgy, along with the Polish folk group of Saint Casimir’s Parish in Newark. Their pastor, Andrew Ostaszewski, Ph.D., coordinates the Polish apostolate in the archdiocese.
In the footsteps of a Polish pope and saint
In his homily, Archbishop Urbańczyk emphasized the community’s historic closeness to the faith:
“St. John Paul II reminded us: ‘Do not be afraid! Open wide the doors to Christ!’ Jesus Christ reveals to us not only who God is, but also who we are—our dignity, our vocation, and our ultimate destiny.”
Previously in his diplomatic career, Archbishop Urbańczyk served in New York City at the office of the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. While in the area, he came to know the Polish American community in Northern New Jersey and was invited to return to celebrate the annual Mass by the apostolate.
Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart holds special importance for the local Polish American community. During his 1995 visit to the city, Pope Saint John Paul II elevated the cathedral to the status of minor basilica and celebrated evening prayer there. A chapel in the cathedral basilica is dedicated to him.
“The Polish community of the Archdiocese of Newark proudly honors one of the greatest men of our time and of Polish heritage, St. John Paul II, whose legacy blends love for the Church and Polish people,” Fr. Ostaszewski told Jersey Catholic. “St. John Paul II is one of the greatest saints and Popes of our time.”
To view more photos from the annual Mass for Poland, CLICK HERE.
Each week, Jersey Catholic features the rich and inspiring “Sights & Sounds” of the Archdiocese of Newark. Visit us regularly to explore our vibrant parishes, sacred artworks, historic landmarks, and the faithful men, women and youth who bring our Catholic community to life.
You can watch video highlights from the Mass below:
Featured image: The Polish Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Newark celebrated its annual Mass for Poland on Oct. 25 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ. (Photos by Julio Eduardo Herrera / Archdiocese of Newark)
