Our trip was actually a pilgrimage with fellow parishioners from Our Lady Star of the Sea Church and several other parishes. We were joining a newly ordained priest, Father Andy Blaszkowski, his brother Father Remek and three other priests as Father Andy celebrated his first Mass in his home parish in Malbork, south of Gdansk.
While our pilgrimage had a strong emphasis on religion, what we saw and were awed by would appeal to everyone who loves beautiful churches, fascinating architecture and somber remembrances of times past at Auschwitz and Birkinau concentration camps. …
To me, Warsaw was the most surprising stop and our couple of days here were most enjoyable. Soon after arriving, we headed to the Old Market Square for dinner and to see some sights. The square is a great gathering place, cafes, shops, jugglers and musicians to amuse and entertain and the center of much activity. …
We wrapped up our trip that evening with a group of us having a casual dinner in an outdoor restaurant in downtown Warsaw—amidst all the office workers hurrying home from a busy day. I’m sure, with all the fun we were having, many thought “oh, those crazy Americans.”
We were having fun. We’d had a wonderful pilgrimage in, for most of us, a new country.
Read the full story of this group’s travels through Poland in the Recorder on Friday, July 25.
July 30th 2008 - 10:01PM