Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc.

The theme of this year’s pilgrimage—“May Polonia remain faithful to St. John Paul II’s call to cherish its Polish heritage, preserve and magnify its legacy, and pass it on to future generations”—resonated throughout the two days of events. The pilgrimage also marked the first joint regional assembly of the John Paul II Foundation chapters from Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New York, New England, and Philadelphia, during which delegates shared initiatives promoting the legacy of St. John Paul II in their respective communities.

On Saturday, August 23, chapter members, pilgrims, and guests gathered for a festive banquet honoring Ms. Barbara Pysk, longtime president of the New England Chapter of the John Paul II Foundation. Ms. Pysk received the “Fidelity to the Legacy of St. John Paul II Award” in recognition of her selfless leadership and deep involvement in the Polish American community. The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, who spoke on “Reawakening Our Sacred Obligation to Promote the Legacy of St. John Paul II.” The banquet’s musical program featured a performance by the Joyful Skrypczuk Duo, friends of the John Paul II Foundation, whose artistry added a warm and joyful spirit to the evening.

Sunday’s Musical Jubilee Program paid tribute to three Popes—St. John Paul II, Pope Francis, and Pope Leo XIII—and reflected on the future of the Church. Talented young artists from Connecticut and Massachusetts offered musical performances and reflections, joined by Reverend Dariusz Gościniak, Father Krzysztof Wieliczko, OSPPE, and Archbishop Wenski.

During the solemn Mass celebration, the National Polish Apostolate Committee conferred its distinguished Pride of Polonia Award upon Mr. Bogdan Chmielewski, President and CEO of the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union. Mr. Chmielewski was honored for his exemplary leadership, deep faith, and enduring contributions to Polonia in America, as well as his steadfast support for the mission of the John Paul II Foundation.

Organized by the Polish Apostolate Committee, the pilgrimage, the banquet, and musical program that included a beautiful performance by our own Stasia and Olech Srkypczuk of the Skrypczuk duo united clergy, religious, and lay faithful in a joyful expression of faith and Polish identity, reaffirming Polonia’s enduring devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa and St. John Paul II.

The annual Pilgrimage of Polonia to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, brought together faithful from across the United States for a weekend of prayer, reflection, and celebration of Polish heritage. This year’s gathering, which took place on August 23-24, held special meaning as it coincided with the 2025 Jubilee Year of the Universal Church and the 70th anniversary of the shrine.

The Friends of John Paul II Foundation is honored to welcome George Weigel, the official biographer of Saint John Paul II and Distinguished Senior Fellow, as our keynote speaker for a very special occasion: the 40th anniversary of our Washington, D.C. Chapter.

This year’s event, titled “Wadowice on the Potomac,” will take place on Saturday, October 12, and will also serve as our annual luncheon celebrating the Papacy of Saint John Paul II.

Mr. Weigel currently serves as the Distinguished Senior Fellow and Chair in Catholic Studies at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., and is widely recognized as one of the foremost Catholic thinkers of our time.

We invite you to join us as we reflect on four decades of shared faith, friendship, and dedication to the mission of Saint John Paul II.

Please see the invitation below for full event details.

Please get in touch with Rose Kobylinski at lulu.koby47@gmail.com by October 7 if you plan to attend.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of our dear Friend, Mr. Thaddeus ‘Ted’ Mirecki, who faithfully served as a member of our Board of Directors and as Treasurer, and as a generous supporter. 

On behalf of the Friends of John Paul II foundation, Washington, DC chapter, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his daughters, sister, and entire family and loved ones during this difficult time. 

 Alongside his beloved late wife, Irena Mirecki, whose service as President of our Chapter set a powerful example, Ted’s unwavering commitment and generosity helped shape the mission of the John Paul II Foundation.

Ted truly embodied a life of service, particularly in advancing our faith and Polish-Catholic heritage:

In 2011, Ted was honored with the prestigious Pride of Polonia Award at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Częstochowa in Doylestown, PA—a recognition granted by the National Polish Apostolate Committee of the USCCB for his “continuous support of cultural and religious projects for Polonia” and his broad philanthropic spirit.

As a pillar of his parish, Our Lady Queen of Poland, Ted chaired the Financial Council, coordinated liturgical readers, and actively supported parish fundraising initiatives. His service was both practical and deeply spiritual.

His support for the Friends of the John Paul II Foundation extended beyond leadership—Ted also helped organize and contribute to charitable events, working closely with the Foundation and several other Polish-Catholic institutions, such as the Poles in America Foundation

Ted’s faith, leadership, and devotion made him a beacon of light for our community. His efforts enriched the spiritual life of countless individuals and strengthened the foundations of our shared mission. 

Let us remember Ted with gratitude—for his faith-driven leadership, his humble heart, and the legacy he and Irena built together.

We invite you to join us in prayer for the repose of Ted’s soul, and to support one another as we reflect on the gifts he has bestowed upon our community.

Rest in Peace, Dear Friend!

Wieczny odpoczynek racz mu dac Panie.

Roza Pace, President
Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc.