Photo 1: Corpus Christi organist Bruce Woody and another parishioner wait to begin.
Photo 2: I led the first Polish section with the flag.
Photo 3: Walking and carrying the speaker with Fr. Anzelm, Br. dk. Michał Kurzynka and a Polish Franciscan Friar of the Renewal.
Photo 4: Fr. Anzelm leads the congregation at the Closing Mass in song.
On Wednesday, August 6th I joined Corpus Christi pastor Fr. Anzelm Chalupka, OSPPE, and organist Bruce Woody in traveling to Great Meadows, New Jersey to begin the four-day, 60 mile Piesza Pielgrzymka – or Walking Pilgrimage – to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Joined there by 20 other pilgrims from Buffalo, and Fr. Anzelm’s visiting niece, Kasia, we began the challenging journey.
The morning of August 7th, I couldn’t believe all the different religious communities that were there, like the Salvatorian Fathers and Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. But I was especially inspired by the young and energetic Pauline Fathers and Brothers who were also going to walk with us. I was privileged to carry the Polish Flag from St. John Gualbert’s Polish Saturday School behind the Cross and banner, and lead the first part of the pilgrimage.
The hot sun and strong rain weren’t enough to destroy our hope and joyful expectation in reaching the Shrine. The Lord helped us along the way with daily Mass and Adoration, along with the Rosary and spiritual talks. The hymns, both upbeat/modern and solemn/traditional, kept us going and the 2000+ walkers sustained each other with their prayers and encouragement. The Polish food was great too, and there were ample breaks for water or herbata.
Unfortunately, I developed very painful blisters and a severe rash and couldn’t make the last two days on foot. The provincial, Fr. Krzysztof Wieliczko, OSPPE, who had joined us for the liturgy on Friday night at Ticum County Park kindly allowed me to return with him to Doylestown that night.
The hospitality of the Pauline Fathers, especially fellow pilgrims Br. kandydat Michał Tarnacki and Br. kleryk George Hanna, OSPPE, was exceptional. I was able to see the Shrine for the first time and its beauty is indescribable. I was happy to have the opportunity to catch up with Fr. Sebastian Hanks, OSPPE, who was at Corpus Christi when the community first took over. He and the other religious were very happy at the success of the Buffalo parish’s efforts.
The excitement on Sunday afternoon was unbelievable! The thousands of pilgrims had finally reached the upper church and began the closing, solemn Mass. I’ve never been so edified as when I saw the enthusiasm and love of the weary travelers for the Black Madonna, and for everything she means.
Pielgrzymka was truly an unforgettable experience and I would encourage anyone, but especially the parishioners and friends in Buffalo to go next year. Your Polish (or English) will improve at least 10%! It’s physically challenging – although one of the benefits is losing a few pounds – but it’s really spiritually rewarding.
Our Lady of Czestochowa, pray for us!
