A Polonian examination of conscience
Czyli o poddawaniu siê katolickiej polonii
Part I of III (Rev. Dr. Czeslaw M. Krysa President, Association of Priests for Polish Affairs of WNY)
“This isn’t really different from our get-togethers!” exclaimed a Texan-born, Methodist convert at one of Polonia’s most popular Wigilia celebrations.
Not much different? Five years ago, I was surprised, not today. Most of my parishioners who break wafers don’t know that sharing means forgiveness.
Take this, except for a Canadian appearance at a local Dyngus Day extravaganza, most gatherings resemble honky-tonks with vodka and kielbasa replacing beer and nachos.
Media hype over the annual Broadway Market pilgrimages for placek and horseradish is presided over by the spring rodent (known as “bunny” by some) and chruœciki girls with long fuzzy ears. Last Holy Week I asked a 20-something, crumbed babka and kielbasa bearing couple, if they ever blessed their food. They, answered, “What?” At least there’s a Butter Lamb photo op.
Pol-Ams brag in newspapers about eating smoked pork on Good Friday, pre-Dyngus Day celebrations on that same high-fast day, Œwiêconka during Lent, made me think that the only thing the Broadway-Fillmore market lacks is a beer license. Pussy willows have become “Sadie Hawkins” switches, rather than Palm Sunday branches.
I can’t describe how much I appreciate Fr. Krysa’s remarks here!
Thank you, Fr. Czeslaw.
This is a good way to start the discussion.