The Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C., is in the midst of a week-long celebration for pilgrims that began Oct. 16, the anniversary of its namesake’s election to the papacy, and will conclude on the late Pope’s feast day, Oct. 22.
“St. John Paul II will be remembered and celebrated hundreds of years from now as a man of deep prayer, rich theological vision, courageous leadership, personal humility, unfailing kindness, and steadfast witness to the Gospel in pilgrimages to 129 countries,” Grattan Brown, director of mission and ministry at the Shrine, said, according to an emailed press release. “This weeklong celebration at the St. John Paul II National Shrine helps pilgrims reconnect with the pivotal moment of his election, with his pilgrim spirit, and with the universal call to holiness that he preached to each of us with his words and actions.”
The week’s events began with Mass celebrated by Polish priest Father Pawel Sass, pastor of Nativity Parish in Washington, D.C., followed by a choral performance, a reception featuring delicacies from the Pope’s homeland of Poland, and a discussion titled “The Worldwide Impact of Karol Wojtyla’s Election to the Papacy.”
On Oct. 18, the shrine will host a walking pilgrimage that will begin at the nearby Christ the King Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, proceed through Rock Creek Park, and end at the Shrine. According to the press release, this event is held annually in honor of St. John Paul II’s famous love for the outdoors. During the hike, pilgrims will be led in prayers written by Pope St. John Paul II. After reaching the shrine, pilgrims will be given the chance to venerate a relic of the late pontiff and attend 1:30 p.m. Mass.
The following day, the shrine will hold a screening of Messenger of the Truth, a film that tells the story of Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko, a priest from Pope St. John Paul II’s native Poland. Blessed Popieluszko was involved in the Solidarity Movement, which Pope St. John Paul II supported. The Communist Regime murdered him on Oct. 19, 1984. A relic of Blessed Popieluszko will be available all week for veneration.
On Oct. 22, the Shrine will hold a Solemn Mass of St. John Paul II at noon followed by refreshments. The week’s events will conclude with “Evenings with the Merciful Jesus,” a monthly event hosted by the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy that features a talk, adoration, praise and worship music, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, refreshments, group discussion, and fellowship.
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