杏MAP导航

By Francesca Merlo

November 11th marks the end of the World War I and the day that Poland re-emerged as a nation 100 years ago, following Russian, Prussian and Austrian domination.

Putting differences aside

杏MAP导航 Francis, in his message to Archbishop Gadecki, recalls the contributions Poland made to the 鈥渉istory of Christian Europe鈥� prior to the partitions of the eighteenth century.

The 杏MAP导航 pays homage to the many sons of Poland, whom he says 鈥渨ere ready to sacrifice their personal freedom, their own good, and even their lives for their lost homeland鈥�.

In quoting 杏MAP导航 St. John Paul II, he reiterates the support their faith provided when 鈥渁fter independence鈥�, these same brothers 鈥渉ad to seek unity despite differences, in order to rebuild the country together and defend its borders.鈥�

One hundred years of freedom

杏MAP导航 Francis goes on to thank the Lord for 鈥渉aving supported successive generations with His grace鈥�, and for having brought to life their hope of 鈥渞egaining the freedom lost one hundred years earlier鈥�.

He closes his message with the prayer of Saint John Paul II - whom he calls 鈥渁 special witness of this century鈥� - saying: 鈥淢ay the care of Mary, Queen of Poland on Jasna Góra, always accompany Your Homeland and all Poles! May God鈥檚 providence give the Polish nation peace and prosperity, now and in the future!鈥�