From March 25 to 31, Monsignor Dariusz Giers, Administrator of the John Paul II Vatican Foundation, visited Florida (USA). He engaged with the local Polish community to hold numerous meetings concerning the current and future activities of the Foundation’s structures in the region.
The visit commenced with a meeting with the Metropolitan of Miami, Archbishop Thomas Gerard Wenski, who extended his blessing for the Foundation’s activities within his archdiocese. Subsequently, Monsignor Giers met with Anna Navas, a long-time coordinator of the Circle of Supporters of the John Paul II Vatican Foundation in Florida, who provided him with a detailed overview of the group's activities. Ms. Navas also facilitated a meeting between Monsignor Giers and Jerzy Bogdziewicz, President of the Polish Congress in Florida. He emphasized the significant potential of the local Polish community, which, in his opinion, would be eager to engage in the Foundation’s work. Approximately 850,000 Polish individuals reside in Florida, an area roughly the size of Poland. Mr. Bogdziewicz suggested closer cooperation with the Polish Catholic Mission in Pompano Beach, run by the Society of Christ Fathers. This mission supports several Polish communities in various towns, including Port St. Lucie, where Monsignor Giers received a warm welcome at Holy Family Parish. After Mass, he met with community members, who expressed their willingness and readiness to participate in the John Paul II Vatican Foundation's activities.
The administrator's stay in Florida was made possible through the generosity of lawyer Ryszard Krzyżanowski, one of the Foundation's most significant benefactors, honorary president of the Circle of Friends in Philadelphia, and a long-time member of the Administrative Council. Despite his distinguished age of 93, Mr. Krzyżanowski remains in good health and continues to follow the Foundation’s activities in the USA and Rome with keen interest, wholeheartedly supporting the rebuilding of its structures in Florida. He graciously hosted Monsignor Giers in his home in West Palm Beach.
