On Saturday, October 17th, St. Joseph School students joined with parishioners of St. Joseph Basilica and members of the New England Chapter of the JPII Foundation to commemorate the Feast of Saint John Paul II on the anniversary of his papal inauguration. 8th Grade Student, Dale Boudreau, welcomed attendees and outlined the JPII Foundation’s goals, which are to support the educational, cultural, religious, and charitable initiatives related to the pontificate of the Holy Father John Paul II. Dale also emphasized that in Saint John Paul II’s apostolic letter, Novo Milenio Ineuente, or “At the beginning of the New Millennium,” Saint John Paul II stated, “A new century, a new millennium is opening in the light of Christ. But not everyone can see this light. Ours is the wonderful and demanding task of becoming its ‘reflection.’”
Participating in the program honoring Saint John Paul II was 8th Grade students Dominik Gielarowiec, Maya Podskarbi, and Alexandra Bergeron. The theme of Dominik’s presentation was “Santo Subito” or Sainthood Now, highlighting the canonization of John Paul by Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI only ten years after his death. At the time of John Paul’s canonization, people began to call him “Pope Saint John Paul the Great.” Only three other popes in history have earned the title “the Great,” a title not given by the Church, but by the people. Following Dominik’s presentation, Maya Podskarbi sang a beautiful rendition of Barka, a favorite hymn of Saint John Paul II. The program concluded with Alexandra Bergeron reciting one of Saint John Paul II’s poems entitled, “Children.” The students were guided by 8th Grade instructor, Mrs. Mary Ann Weaver.
The principal celebrant of the Mass was Monsignor Anthony Czarnecki. Concelebrants were Rev. Grzegorz Chodkowski, Pastor of St. Joseph Basilica, Rev. Richard Polek, Pastor of Our Lady of Częstochowa Parish, and Rev. Allen Alexander, Campus Minister Marianapolis Preparatory School. The Executive Officers of the New England Chapter of JPII Foundation are Barbara Pysk – President, Dorota Kalinowski and Dr. Krzysztof Kacprzak – Co-Vice President, Jane Molina, and Joanne Minarik – Co-Treasurer, Ursula Kokosinski – Recording Secretary, Maria Ptak – Corresponding Secretary, Monsignor Anthony Czarnecki – Chaplain, and Hon. Thaddeus Buczko – Advocate.
