May 18, 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of St. Pope John Paul II. In order to celebrate this milestone event – only one Polish Man in the history of the Catholic Church has held such an honourable and responsible role as the successor of Saint Peter on the Holy See – many churches around the world are offering thanksgiving devotions and celebrating Holy Masses. Hence, for this reason three portable altars called Triptychs, consisting of a central part and two side wings with the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa (Black Madonna), St. Sister Faustina and St. John Paul II and their relics are travelling across three continents of the globe (Europe, Asia and North America), so that the Faithful People of God can receive many God’s favours and blessings.
In December of last year, the Ordinary of the Diocese of Hamilton, Bishop Douglas Crosby issued a pastoral letter to all priests in which he encouraged them to open the doors of their churches and welcome this Triptych. Its peregrination in Canada began in January of this year. At the request of the Foundation of St. John Paul II, whose head office is in the Vatican, I was asked to take on the role of a custodian and organizer of the peregrination in the Province of Ontario. At the beginning of January, I had the privilege of receiving the Triptych from the State of New York, USA to Canadian soil.
Sacred Heart Church is hosting the Triptych from Oct. 23rd to Oct. 30th, 2020. The solemn celebrations will be held on October 25th, 2020. Provided his health allows it, His Excellency Bishop Matthew Ustrzycki, retired Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton, will preside and preach at the English Mass at 10:00 A.M. At the 11:30 A.M., Bishop Joseph Dąbrowski, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of London, will celebrate the Eucharist and lead further devotions. The solemn ceremony will end with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the Litany to St. John Paul II and a prayer to obtain favours through His intercession.
On behalf of myself and this faith community of Sacred Heart Church in Kitchener, I cordially invite and encourage all people to visit our church and pray together in the presence of the Triptych and the relics of the two saints. May celebrating this beautiful Jubilee help us all obtain God’s blessings and graces for ourselves and others through the intercession of St. John Paul II the Great.
Fr. Adam Wroblewicz, CR
Additional photos are available on our church’s facebook page
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