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Preparations for World Youth Day are now reaching their final stages in Poland and London. In Westminster bookings are coming in fast for places on the diocesan pilgrimage. Across Poland, young people from parishes and youth movements are waiting to welcome the youth of the world. The climax of World Youth Day will take place in the historic city of Kraków, home of Karol Wojtyła, who would go on to become Archbishop of Kraków and eventually Pope (and Saint) John Paul II. 

In February, Diocesan Youth Chaplain Fr David Reilly and Director of Youth Ministry Phil Ross made a visit to Poland to check arrangements for the Westminster diocesan pilgrimage and to greet those who will welcome us to their country from 18 July to 1 August 2016. ‘Everyone has been so kind and hospitable,’ said Phil, ‘the welcome they are preparing for World Youth Day will be amazing. They are really looking forward to hosting pilgrims from Westminster.’ 

In particular, they brought Westminster’s greetings to the current Archbishop of Kraków, Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, who received them at the Archbishop’s Palace in Kraków’s Old Town. Near the ancient Wawal Castle and Cathedral, the archbishop’s house is associated with the tumultuous stories of both the city of Kraków and its most famous son, St John Paul II. It was here that the young Karol, as he was then known, studied secretly in the clandestine seminary, protected by the highly regarded bishop, Prince Adam Sapieha. It was also here that Karol worked during his own years as auxiliary bishop and then archbishop, and from where he left for Rome in 1978 to be elected Pope. From the window of this palace, John Paul would always appear to the crowds of young people during his many visits home as Pope. Fr David says, ‘It was a special privilege for us to visit and pray in the archbishop’s private chapel, where John Paul himself spent many hours in prayer. It was here in this small place, in 1946, that he became a priest.’ 

Cardinal Dziwisz has spent his life closely associated with St John Paul, serving as his Private Secretary for many years. He recently opened an awe-inspiring shrine in honour of the saintly Pope. There are many artefacts here associated with Pope John Paul, including the blood-stained cassock he was wearing when he was shot in St Peter’s Square in 1981. 

They also visited sites in the city of Łódź where Westminster will spend their Mission Week (or ‘Days in the Diocese’) hosted by partners from the Chemin Neuf Community. The Westminster Pilgrimage will be part of the ‘Paradise in the City’ youth festival organised between the Archdiocese of Łódź and Chemin Neuf. These days promise to open up the beauty of Poland’s culture, as well as the hearts of pilgrims before they leave for the final days in Kraków. 

Poland is a remarkable country with a rich history of faithfulness to the Gospel and turbulent periods of great suffering. Thirty years after the first definitive World Youth Day celebrated by St John Paul II, it will be a special privilege to return to his home city. In the Holy Year dedicated to mercy, we are invited to be pilgrims to the country of St Faustina and the land of the Divine Mercy devotion. 

Please see our website dowym.com for further details on how to register for a place on the World Youth Day pilgrimage.

Pictured are Fr David Reilly, Cardinal Dziwisz and Phil Ross