On September 12, 26 Friends of John Paul II welcomed His Excellency Bishop Sławomir Oder and Sister Evelyn Montes de Oca of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary to Washington
This cordial meeting provided valuable opportunities to exchange ideas for potential collaboration, learn about the bishop’s ongoing postulation for the sainthood of St. John Paul II’s parents, and explore a study abroad opportunity for students in Poland.
The bishop is currently leading a significant project as the postulator for the cause of sainthood for the parents of Saint John Paul II, a topic on which he spoke at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C. He also serves as Vice President of the Board of the Saint John Paul II Foundation in Rome, having been recently re-elected to another five-year term.
Friends of John Paul II Washington Metropolitan Area Division Chapter are meeting with Bishop Slawomir Oder and Sister Evelyn Montes de Oca.
In his reflection on the enduring wisdom of Saint John Paul II, Bishop Stanislaw Oder highlighted the Pope’s profound humility, spirit of service, fidelity to the Church, and love for every human person. Drawing on his experience as postulator for John Paul II’s beatification process, Bishop Oder recalled the words “Debitor factus sum” — “I have become a debtor,” written by John Paul II shortly after his election to the See of Peter. For Bishop Oder, these words express the Pope’s awareness that the gifts he had received carried with them a responsibility to serve others, proclaim the Gospel, build community, overcome divisions, and work for peace.
Bishop Oder emphasized that one of the most important lessons of John Paul II is an awareness of the gifts we receive. Such gifts are not intended solely for ourselves, but are also meant to be shared with others. Rooted in humility, this awareness leads to a deeper recognition of the dignity of every human person and calls us to use our talents in meaningful service.
He also reflected on John Paul II’s teaching about freedom, truth, and conscience. True freedom, he noted, is inseparable from truth about the human person, human dignity, and our calling. A person of conscience is called to listen to the voice of God, choose what is good, reject evil, and continually seek renewal.
Bishop Oder’s reflection ultimately presented the message of Saint John Paul II as one that remains relevant today: to recognize the gifts we have received, accept responsibility for how we use them, respect the dignity of others, and have the courage to seek truth and do good.
Chapter members also had the opportunity to participate in a Mass celebrated by Bishop Stanislaw Oder at Our Lady Queen of Poland Church, and attend his excellent presentation at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. In his presentation, Bishop Oder spoke about his latest work as postulator for the cause of sainthood of Saint John Paul II’s parents, Karol and Emilia Wojtyła, titled “Holy Parenthood: Discovering the Life & Legacy of Karol & Emilia Wojtyła.”
Sister Evelyn, who serves alongside the Bishop as Director of Investment and Development for the Diocese of Gliwice, provided details on the Lux Poloniae Summer Study Abroad Program: Where Faith Meets Culture. The program invites participants to experience Poland firsthand through its living tradition of faith, culture, intellectual discovery, and artistic beauty. The itineraries also feature pilgrimages following in the footsteps of St. John Paul II.
Join members, friends, and supporters of the Friends of John Paul II Foundation in celebrating the 106th Anniversary of the Birth of Pope John Paul II
Discover the inspiring mission of Divine Mercy University through a special presentation by its President, Father Charles Sikorski.
The celebration will take place on June 13 at the Army Navy Country Club. We look forward to a meaningful and memorable event.
Reservations
Kindly RSVP by June 6, 2026, to: Rose Kobylinski Email: lulukoby47@gmail.com Phone: (571) 212-4250
Menu Selection
Please indicate your entrée choice when responding: • Boneless Beef Short Rib • Salmon • Mushroom Risotto (Vegetarian)
Payment Options
For your convenience, payment may be made in one of the following ways: • By check (mailed in advance) • At the event (check or cash) • Online by credit card at friendsjp2.org (Select “FJPII Birthday Remembrance” from the dropdown menu)
