On May 18, parishioners, friends, and supporters of Father Jerzy gathered for a special Mass at Our Lady Queen of Poland Church in Silver Spring to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. The celebration included a beautiful Mass attended by parishioners, their children who recently received their First Communion, as well as representatives of the Polish Embassy and local Polish organizations.

Following the Mass, parishioners organized a joyful picnic featuring traditional Polish delicacies and a commemorative cake.

Those in attendance—including representatives of the Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Washington, D.C. Chapter—expressed heartfelt gratitude to Father Jerzy for his dedicated service, which has spanned Saskatchewan, Toronto, Houston, San Diego, and Washington, D.C.

Our Chapter is especially grateful to Father Jerzy for his many years of service as our Maryland Chaplain and spiritual adviser, as well as for his valuable contributions to our events and Newsletter.

May God bless you abundantly, Father, for all that you have done in His name. Sto Lat! (May he live 100 years!)

On November 16, 2024, Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Washington DC Chapter members, under the leadership of the Legacy Chair Cecilia Glembocki, exhibited John Paul II-related educational materials at the 2024 Diocesan Catechetical Conference at Sheraton Hotel in Reston, VA. The materials included flyers, bookmarks, coloring books, lesson plans, DVDs, posters, and books. Unique this year were flyers and bookmarks on the unique relationship and friendship between President Ronald Reagan and John Paul II and the placement of the John Paul II bronze bust by Gordon Kray at the Ronald Reagan National Library in Simi Valley, CA, as well as information on the John Paul II exhibit that took place there August 29-October 27th. Cecilia and her team distributed several thousands of bookmarks and flyers to catechists, educators, and Catholic bookstores. A number of visitors to the chapter’s table were excited to see the book A Pope and A President by Paul Kengor, PhD, noting that they either read the book with great interest or wanted to purchase it (the book may be purchased on Amazon). Paul Kengor was the chapter’s keynote speaker at the November Wadowice on the Potomac event. Many additional flyers will be mailed out to the schools that left their contact information with Cecilia. Marianna Eckel, Raymond Glembocki, and Roza Pace helped staff the exhibit. Connie Donnelly, our chapter member and donation chair, was helping her publisher friend showcase books on saints, including John Paul II’s Be Not Afraid Book for Children.

Connie Donnelly, our chapter member and donation chair, was helping her publisher friend showcase books on saints, including John Paul II’s Be Not Afraid Book for Children.

On November 3, 2024, the Friends of John Paul II Foundation and the Polish American Congress (PAC) hosted a heartfelt Thanksgiving Luncheon titled “Wadowice on the Potomac”. Held in honor of the late Mary Flanagan†, KCSS—beloved former President of both organizations—the event also marked the 50th Anniversary of the Polish American Congress, Washington, DC Chapter.

The program featured keynote speaker Dr. Paul Kengor, renowned author of A Pope and a President, who offered compelling insights into the legacy of Saint John Paul II and his influence on global history. Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Hugh Dempsey, Acting Head of the Order of Malta, adding a dignified and warm tone to the afternoon.

Distinguished guests included Monsignor Dariusz Giers, Administrator of the John Paul II Foundation in Rome; Acting Ambassador Adam Krzywosadecki; Consul Rychlik; and Debbie Majka, National PAC VP and longtime community leader. The event combined celebration and reflection with festive touches, including a lighthearted turkey raffle.

The luncheon offered a meaningful opportunity for supporters and friends of Saint John Paul II to gather, express gratitude, and strengthen ties within the Polish American community.