From 2 to 10 June, Monsignor Dariusz Giers, Administrator of the John Paul II Vatican Foundation, visited the Friends’ Chapter in New York. He was hosted by Bishop Witold Mroziewski, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, who resides at Holy Cross Parish in Maspeth, on a street with the meaningful name “Pope John Paul II Street”. In front of the rectory stands an impressive monument of the Pope. Bishop Witold is deeply involved in the activities of the New York Friends’ Chapter and provides it with significant support. The visit to New York offered an opportunity to thank him and to present a special letter from Monsignor Paweł Ptasznik, Chairman of the Foundation, on the occasion of the Bishop’s 60th birthday and the 35th anniversary of his priestly ordination.
At the Bishop’s request, the Administrator presided over the solemn Mass and Eucharistic procession for the celebration of Corpus Christi, held on Sunday, 7 June 2026. Concelebrants included the priests serving at Holy Cross Parish: Fr. Andrzej Salwowski, parish administrator, and Fr. Dariusz Strzelecki, vicar. Among the numerous faithful present were members of the New York Friends’ Chapter, led by its president, Jan Grabiński.
In his homily, Fr. Giers recalled Saint John Paul II’s profound love for the Eucharist, expressed in his deeply lived celebration of Holy Mass and daily adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It is noteworthy that the Pope dedicated his final encyclical, Ecclesia de Eucharistia (2003), precisely to this great mystery of faith.
Later that afternoon, Monsignor Giers took part in the annual banquet of the New York Friends’ Chapter, held at the Terrace of the Park Center in Queens. In addition to members of the Chapter, the event was attended by the Consul of the Republic of Poland, local entrepreneurs, and many benefactors wishing to support the Foundation—especially its scholarship programs and the upcoming Jubilee in Rome.
President Grabiński welcomed the numerous guests and thanked them for their presence. In his address, the Administrator expressed gratitude to the organisers and participants. He recalled that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the Foundation, with the main celebrations to be held in Rome (19–22 October), where participants will be received by Pope Leo XIV in a private audience. He invited all to take part in the celebrations and to contribute to the commemorative plaque that will be placed in the Polish House in Rome.
The new spiritual advisor of the Chapter, Fr. Dariusz Blicharz, echoing the Administrator’s words, encouraged continued support for the Foundation’s mission, especially the care for the legacy of Saint John Paul II’s pontificate and the promotion of his teaching among future generations.
During the banquet, the annual award of the New York Friends’ Chapter was presented to Fr. Grzegorz Merkulak, CM, pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Greenpoint and coordinator of the Polish Apostolate of the Diocese of Brooklyn. In a special letter for the occasion, the Chairman of the Foundation thanked Fr. Merkulak for supporting the initiatives of the local Friends’ Chapter.
The gathering provided an opportunity to discuss the current situation of the Polish community in New York and the future directions of the Chapter’s work. The event was enriched by the presence of Fr. Krzysztof Wieliczko, OSPPE, former Administrator of the Foundation and now Provincial of the Pauline Fathers in the United States.
Before returning to Rome, Monsignor Giers met with the board of the New York Chapter to summarise the Sunday banquet and present the programme of the 45th anniversary celebrations in Rome. He was pleased to learn that the Chapter will be represented by a large delegation from New York.
