Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Washington, DC Chapter, Welcome Fr. Wieliczko on 6May2017

On Saturday, 6 May 2017, the Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Washington, DC, Metropolitan Chapter, celebrated Saint John Paul II’s birthday and lifelong legacy in what is named as the annual Saint John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon with honored guest and speaker Fr. Krzysztof Wieliczko from the John Paul II Foundation in Rome.

Board Members with honored guests at the Saint John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon. From Left to Right: Dr. Richard Zbigniew Okreglak, Sharon Brzostowski, COL. Robert Flanagan, Mary Lubienska Flanagan, Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak, HE Prof. Piotr Wilczek, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, Pres. Bozenna Buda, Sandra Crabb Zachariasiewicz, honored guest and speaker, Rev. Krzysztof Wieliczko. Marianna Eckel, Raymond Glembocki, Cecilia Glembocki, Richard Wiermanski.

(Continued on page 3) Page 2 • October 2017 Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter NEWSLETTER

Message from Bozenna Buda, President Offcers 2017 President Dear members and friends, Bozenna Buda I greet you with the traditional Polish greeting, “Niech bedzie Chaplains Rev. Jerzy Frydrych pochwalony Jezus Chrystus i chwalebna jego Matka”. Praise be Jesus Rev. Canon Philip S. Majka Christ and His Holy Mother. Vice Presidents I am happy to report that our events celebrating the life and legacy of Mary Flanagan St. John Paul II have been very well attended. We have signed up new Richard Wiermanski members. We have done outreach to university students, bringing Corresponding Secretary them nourishing Polish food and information about the teachings Sharon Brzostowski and legacy of Saint John Paul II. Recording Secretary Linda Loch Last fall, I was fortunate to be present in Rome during the 35th year Treasurer anniversary of the John Paul II Foundation, and participate in many Raymond Glembocki activities. I had an opportunity to meet other representatives of Chapters from the United States as well as from other Chapters around the world. Watching children and young people in their colorful Directors 2017 outfts actively participating in the festivities to pay homage and give thanksgiving to our beloved Saint Sharon Brzostowski John Paul II, and hearing the various presentations of the valuable work being done by the Foundation, Brian Buckoski, LTC(Ret.) made a lasting impression on me which remains with me today. It made me even more energized Edwarda Buda-Okreglak, MD and determined to support the mission defned by the Foundation established during the papacy of Marianna Eckel Robert Flanagan, COL(Ret.) John Paul II. It also allowed me to refect on the role that our Washington, DC, Chapter plays in the Marek Michalski, Ph.D. Foundation. Ted Mirecki Our Chapter, established by the late Sir Walter Zachariasiewicz, at the behest of the Holy Father Richard Okreglak Ph.D. himself, and now going into its 33rd year of existence, has always been the fagship Chapter for the Sandra Zachariasiewicz Foundation. Our support of the Foundation in Rome, and our warm relationship with Pope John Paul Honorary Founding II and his representatives, have been enduring for many years. In fact, Sir Walter Zachariasiewicz made Chairman a promise to our Holy Father that our support for the Foundation would not waver upon his death. Sir Walter Zachariasiewicz (+) Te Foundation is at the crossroads of the world, helping people and nations to know about St. JP II’s legacy and promoting the culture of life. It is doing so in places that desperately need such help. It is up Honorary Directors to us to keep this promise fulflled. BarbaraJarzynski Mary Lou Karch Our second duty is to be personal representatives of our saint and spread the good news about him Margaret Nedzi within our community locally. It is simply amazing how our local outreach to college students and to children and young adults within our local parishes, has resulted in their dynamic involvement Past Presidents and interest in his poems, his life and his teachings. We have had many faithful members, some of Gloria Klepczynski whom are graying or have gone to their eternal reward. But we also have seen increased membership Cecilia Glembocki from both younger and older “friends” through our membership drive and our other programs in our Alice Lech Laning community. Tis May 6th, at the Annual Saint John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon, which celebrates Raymond Glembocki the saint’s birthday, we were blessed to host the Rev. Fr. Krzysztof Wieliczko from the Foundation Mary Lubienska Flanagan Lawrence Ziemianski, DMD in Rome as our honored guest and speaker, who inspired us with the words of the saint himself, “be prayerful and be merciful as our Father himself is merciful”. At our signature fall event, “Wadowice- Contact us on-the-Potomac” on October 22, which celebrates the birthplace and the papacy of Karol Wojtyla, Newsletter Offce the future pope and Saint John Paul II, we are looking forward to being joined by our distinguished Friends of John Paul II Foundation guest and honoree, H.E. Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the 9911 Gardiner Ave. United States. We are very grateful to H.E. Professor Piotr Wilczek, the Ambassador of the Republic Forest Glenn, MD 20902 of Poland, for being our patron and allowing us the opportunity to host this event, which also serves 301-495-3377 as our major fundraiser for the Foundation, at his residence in Washington, DC. We also thank H.E. Or visit our website: jp2friends.org Prof. Wilczek for being at the head of a VIP honorary committee for this event, and composed of other distinguished persons. I feel very honored to be your President. I could not have done this all on my own and I thank the Board of Directors and many other volunteers and “friends” of good will, who have made all this that we have accomplished possible. We are not fnished. We still have a great deal of work ahead of us. As The Editor and Publisher reserve a relatively “younger” individual myself, I am very encouraged that I have been able to motivate other the right to edit and modify materials younger people who want to be involved in our Chapter and carry on the work begun by Saint John in order to be compliant with a format that is consistent with economical Paul II himself. Let us continue to go forward together! Let us re-discover Saint John Paul II together. guidelines and accepted publication Let us also remember our promise to our Foundation and that the “Gold Book of Gratitude for the Gif standards. of John Paul II” is still open for your participation. “Szczesc Boze.“ May God reward you for your support. NEWSLETTER Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter October 2017 • page 3

Saint John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon (Continued from page 1)

Te event was held at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine lunch, guests could take a self-guided tour of the beautiful in Washington, DC. Te ceremonies began with Holy Mass interactive exhibit at the Shrine, titled “A Gif of Love: the in the beautiful and newly renovated Redeemer of Man Life of Saint John Paul II.” Main Church with Reverend Father Krzysztof Wieliczko, Ph.D., as the main celebrant. A special grandeur was A hundred guests flled the beautiful Saint John Paul II lent by the procession of the Knights of Columbus Color National Shrine to celebrate and perpetuate the legacy, Corps in purple capes and chapeaus led by the Assembly ideals and teachings of Saint John Paul II to all audiences. In Commander, who accompanied Fr. Wieliczko and the addition to HE Ambassador Wilczek, among those present concelebrants from the entrance of the church to the altar. were Mrs. Sandra Rovsek Crabb Zachariasiewicz, who Special solemnity was lent by the singers, who included represented her late husband, Sir Walter Zachariasiewicz the guest soprano singer, Ms. Delia Zielinski, and the choir who was the driving force that established our local composed of seminarians and sister novitiates from IVE Chapter. Also present were our Chapter past presidents, Seminary. Te entrance procession started with singing by Mrs. Mary Lubienska Flanagan, KCSS, Mr. Raymond Ms. Zielinski of Immaculate Mary (well known in Polish Glembocki, and Mrs. Cecilia Glembocki. Our guests from as Po Gorach, Dolinach) and asking the faithful to join in Philadelphia included Mr. Richard Krzyzanowski and Prof. the singing. Other songs included the responsorial Psalms, Janusz Romanski. Gloria and Sanctus Dei sung by the choir in Latin, as well as solos Panis Angelicus and Ave Maria sung by Ms. Zielinski. Following the formal festivities at the Shrine, members of Te closing hymn Barka (the Barge), an all time favorite of the Board of Directors of the Chapter had an opportunity Karol Wojtyla, even before he became Pope, was sung by to meet and chat with Fr. Wieliczko. Later on in the Ms. Zielinski and the faithful in both Polish and English. afernoon, Fr. Wieliczko stopped for a reception in his honor at the residence of Drs. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak Following Holy Mass, Ms. Bozenna Buda, the President and Richard Okreglak. Present was also Prof. Romanski of the Friends Chapter, welcomed all guests, including his from Philadelphia who in his capacity as the President of Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, “Polonia Technica,” (the Society of Polish Engineers and Professor Piotr Wilczek, to the next portion of the event, Technicians), bestowed on Fr. Wieliczko a diploma and a the lecture by Rev. Fr. Wieliczko. HE the Ambassador and medal named for Taddeus Kosciuszko. Fr. Wieliczko exchanged mutual greetings and gifs. Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak, Chair of the Event, introduced We are very grateful to the staf of the Saint John Paul Fr. Wieliczko with highlights from his biography. She II National Shrine, and the Knights of Columbus who noted that Fr. Wieliczko, who was born in Poland, has been administer the Shrine, for welcoming us and sharing this recognized as a man of many talents in the various positions sacred space with us on this special occasion. Many of us he held in the United States before being called to Rome in remember the beginnings of the Shrine which had initially 2010 where he continues to serve as the executive director started out as as the John Paul II Cultural Center many of the John Paul II Foundation in Rome. years ago.

Fr. Wieliczko’s presentation was entitled “Saint John Paul We are very grateful to photographer Mr. Jarek Trocki, and II and His lessons for us in the 21st century.” His message Prof. Romanski, and all those who shared their photos with to us could be summarized in the words of Saint John Paul us. We also thank Ms. Mary Ann Evan and Mrs. Connie II himself, “be prayerful and be merciful,” and on how Donnelly, and all of those whom we could not individually we can apply that to our own everyday lives. Following name but who, nevertheless, contributed to our success. the lecture, everyone enjoyed a complimentary lunch featuring delicious Polish cuisine catered by Creative European Cooking. During lunch, guests enjoyed the opportunity to personally meet Fr. Wieliczko. Tere was also the opportunity, for those who so desired, to render special prayer requests at Masses to be celebrated by Fr. Wieliczko at the Tomb of Saint John Paul II in Rome. Afer Page 4 • October 2017 Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter NEWSLETTER

Chaplains’ Corner

Rev. Canon Philip S. Majka Chaplain, Dulles International Airport Rev. Jerzy Frydrych, SCh, Diocese of Arlington, VA Chaplain

Te Diplomacy of Forgiveness Te pastoral plan in the mind of Pope John Paul Te Great started early in his pontifcate. He encouraged us to open wide the doors to Christ. On the cross Jesus said, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they do.” It was not only to those who were aborting his life, but also for all of us who have committed sin. Christ taught us to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Papa Wojtyla manifested this concept at the Jubilee Dear friends. Day of Forgiveness in St. Peter’s (March 12, 2000). He pointed out Last fall, I made a pilgrimage, with other priests, that we should implore God to forgive our sins and omissions by to the Holy Land. which we had not only tarnished our own soul but also disfgured the face of the Church in past centuries. Tis had to be said and it was said by the Vicar of Christ…it’s the mission of the Church! I recall that it was especially memorable when we Tis mission was given to the Apostles when Christ said, “Peace visited the Basilica of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.” And when Bethlehem, which now is surrounded by a high He had said this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy wall, is a reminder that we are constantly building Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven and whose sins you retain are retained.” Te only sin that is retained is the blasphemy our own walls in our lives. Those walls make it against the Holy Spirit. diffcult for us to open ourselves to the love of God and mankind. And God is constantly trying John Paul implemented his thoughts about forgiveness in the 1980 to come to us. As a defenseless Child, He knocks encyclical, Te Mercy of God. During the following years, he also prayed for the cause of Sister Faustina, the Apostle of God’s Mercy, on our hearts and minds. He tries to move our who was the very frst saint canonized at the beginning of the good will, so that we will trust Him more. In doing Tird Millennium of Christianity (April 30, 2000). On October so, we may overcome in ourselves the enmity, 27, 1986, he became the diplomat who invited world spiritual selfshness and pride that so much threatens leaders to meet and pray together at the World Day of Prayer for Peace at Assisi. Te spirit of Assisi was a new beginning of merci- peace in ourselves and in the world. Our great ful forgiveness as it was started on the day of Christ’s resurrection. countryman John Paul II repeatedly said, “Open In the Czech Republic in May 1995, the Pope of Rome asked the door to Christ,” “Do not be afraid”. Especially forgiveness in the name of all Catholics for all the wrongs done In our turbulent times, I wish all of us all true to non-Catholics. In the future, he repeated this request almost a hundred times. He intended the Great Jubilee of 2000 as an goodness and genuine happiness. opportunity for all Christians to come to terms with the past sins and mistakes of the centuries. Tis is the Mission of the Church! Rev. Jerzy Frydrych, Pastor, Our Lady Queen of Poland In the Rite of Penance we hear, “God the father of Mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son has reconciled and Saint Maximilian Kolbe the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins. Trough the Ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN. (So be it!)” Let’s make it so! NEWSLETTER Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter October 2017 • page 5

Spotlight on Our Members: Sister Act

Bozenna Buda, President, FJPIIF, Washington DC Chapter, and Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak, Chair Events Committee

Tey have held leadership roles in various Polonian organizations, but their true passion is supporting the John Paul II Foundation, and they show it as they work tirelessly through our local Washington, DC, Chapter of the Friends of John Paul II. Tey share ideas, they brainstorm, they help each other - but that’s just what sisters do, they say. Tey were born in Poland, still during the Communist era, but they grew up in the USA, “all the way up from grammar school, high school, college and beyond, to advanced degrees” and they blend their unique perspectives and experiences. Tey recall what important role the teachings of Karol Wojtyla, who became Pope John Paul II, and then Saint John Paul II, had played in their parents’, as well as their own, lives. Teir goal is to share the good news about Saint John Paul II with others and continue the work begun by Him through the Foundation he started during his lifetime. Tey recall how their love for Pope John Paul II the Great, and their connection and involvement with the Friends Chapter began years back, when they were barely half their age. Tey fondly count their dear friend, fellow parishioner, and role model extraordinaire, the late Sir Walter Zachariasiewicz, and other past leaders of the local Chapter, as inspiration and role models for the younger generation, which they were then. And now, years later, it is their turn to step into the unflled shoes of those who came before them. Bozenna, the President, through her background as an educator, recognizes the energy and talents which young people bring and the need to encourage them and mentor them to grow and fourish to carry on the mission and become the next generation of leaders, just as she was inspired by those who came before her. One of the programs she initiated, the Community Outreach program to University of Maryland Catholic Terps, has brought together college students, faculty and friends for a Polish-style evening dinner and a deeper understanding and knowledge of Saint John Paul II and how his teachings continue to be alive for the young, the old, and those in between, no matter what the origin or background. Another program featured the dramatic readings by children and young adults from our local parish of the poems written by Karol Wojtyla / St. John Paul II and the songs that were dear to our Saint. Such local programs have helped to encourage our growing membership among younger members. It is this closer knowledge of our universal Saint that has contributed to the further growth of new members in our Chapter. Dr. Edwarda, the Chair of Events Committee is there to help make it happen. She and her committee are there to plan and execute the details of our events, no matter how great or small. For instance, celebrations which center around signifcant dates in the life of our patron Saint include our annual Saint John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon in the Spring, close to the birthday of Karol Wojtyla, the future pope. Our annual signature Fall event, “Wadowice-on-the-Potomac” celebrates the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla and his ascendancy to the papacy, and serves as the major fundraising event for the Foundation. “Te planning begins months in advance”, says Dr. Edwarda, who has spent her life in the healthcare feld, “and yet it seems like we never have enough time for everything. It is a labor of love for us. We hope for miracles, we pray for miracles, and miracles do happen.” When there is work to do, you can count on the Buda sisters to roll up their sleeves and get it done. Both sisters say they feel a sense of joy and feel privileged to be members and serve Saint John Paul II through the Foundation bearing his name.

Left to Right: Bozenna Buda and Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak with their special Saint. Page 6 • October 2017 Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter NEWSLETTER

Spotlight on Our Members

Mrs. Ana Andonie-Skrzypek and Mr. Wojtek Peter Skrzypek Peter was born in Poland and arrived in Texas when he was 10 years old. Ana was born in Honduras and moved to Virginia when she was 21 years. Tey eventually met in Texas, married, and then decided to move back to Virginia. When asked about why they joined the Washington, DC, Chapter of the Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Ana says, "the life of John Paul II is unlike any other! It teaches us about: loss... politics...Catholic history...faith...hard work...courage...forgiveness...friendship and tolerance...and love. He is everyone's favorite Pope and there is a reason why! I believe his story is a wonderful aid to Catholic formation".

Left photo: Graciella Botto (Ana’s mother), Peter Skrzypek, Ana Andonie and Pres. Bozenna Buda. Right photo: Nirmal Gomes, Dr. Stephen Holowenzak, and Pres. Bozenna Buda

Dr. Stephen Holowenzak He has had dedication, service and passion for his line of work and still wears several hats. One of those is that of a Faithful Navigator for Te Cardinal Patrick A. O'Boyle Assembly, No. 386 of the Knights of Columbus, and has received several distinctions for his work and dedication. Sir Knight, Faithful Navigator, and Past Grand Knight, Dr. Stephen is happy to add an additional hat in becoming a member of our Chapter of the Friends of John Paul II Foundation. Dr. Holowenzak is an honored professor emeritus in Psychology at University of Maryland University College. He holds a Ph.D. degree from Catholic University of America in educational psychology, technology, statistics and measurement. He has specialized in teaching at military bases all over the world. While he has spent most time at the UM, he also has taught all over Europe, Asia and the Middle East Mr. Nirmal Gomes “As I was born in a Catholic family in Bangladesh, going to Church with parents and praying the Rosary every day evening were our family obligation” says Nirmal Gomes. He is happy and excited to become a member of the Friends of John Paul II and says, "Really, I believe that I am called by Pope John Paul II to share his good words for our young generation”. Mr. Gomes is a Specialist in Higher Education Administration, Management- HR, Int’l Scholar Winner recognized by the Center for Global Education, Te Catholic University of America (CUA), Washington, DC and Freelance Writer.

President Bozenna Buda at the Polish Embassy with our members of the Friends of John Paul II Foundation from Connecticut. Left to right: Bozenna Buda, Patricia Kaczynski, Frances Pudlo and Virginia Pudlo. Fran and Gini Pudlo are sisters and have a Family Membership. NEWSLETTER Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter October 2017 • page 7

Our Chapter Activities

Since our beginning as an accredited Chapter on November 5, 1985, within the Archdiocese of Washington, DC, we have undertaken several outstanding programs. We are blessed with capable and generous members who devote their time and talents to growing our Chapter and continuing the great legacy of Saint John Paul II. During his 26 years as Pope, John Paul II promoted faith, life, human dignity, moral living and hope in our future and the future of our youth. Tis is his legacy for us and for future generations. Te impact of this greatest son of Poland continues to be an inspiration for everyone worldwide and for our organization, which he himself founded. Our activities and events refect our stated Mission and Purpose, which are: * Perpetuate Saint John Paul II’s message and legacy to all audiences, and especially to youth; * Gain a deeper sense of his teachings by holding cultural events and lectures that celebrate and honor Saint John Paul II; * Support the Foundation, our parent organization, in their charitable works with donations from membership dues, Life and Supporting Membership, Year End Giving, Memorial and Special Occasion and Events.

Events: * We feature one major annual event, with outreach to the community, in the Spring around the birth of St. John Paul II, entitled “Annual St. John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon”. * Another major annual event occurs in the Fall, named “Wadowice-on-the-Potomac” which honors the birth- place of St. John Paul II in Poland, and is also our fundraising event. * Additionally, we sponsor, or are involved in, several other community outreach programs throughout the year, engaging students and youth, in displays about the life and work of St. John Paul II and acquainting them with his heritage in Poland and his message to the world.

Feb 2016: Bozenna Buda, Pres., with students at the Inaugural Friends of John Paul II Community Outreach Program at the University of Maryland Catholic TERPS Student Center. Page 8 • October 2017 Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter NEWSLETTER

The Year in Review

In May 2016, Maria Juczewska, Research Assistant with the Kosciuszko Chair at the Institute of World Politics in Washington, DC, was the guest speaker at the 2nd St John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon, on the topic of “Scholars? Or Friends? Women in St. John Paul II’s Life.” Ms. Juczewska shared with us her research on the fndings of methods of subtle deception which were employed in a recent British, made-for-television, documentary, which can be used in an efort to discredit, or cast doubt, on the life of Saint John Paul II. A delicious Polish-style lunch was enjoyed by more than 100 attendees.

May 2016: Maria Juczewska speaks and holds her audience spellbound.

Left photo: Fr. Pawel Sass, Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak, Chair of Events Committee, Maria Juczewska, Bozenna Buda, President, and Rev. Canon Philip Majka. Right photo: Mrs. Cecilia Glembocki and Mrs. Mary Flanagan. NEWSLETTER Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter October 2017 • page 9

Discussion continues even while a delicious Polish-style lunch is in progress.

In May 2016, we also sponsored a presentation by a local Polish Drama Club about the life of John Paul II, in English and in Polish, which included presentations by children from the Polish language school and included poetry, music, and slides.

May 2016: St. John Paul II, Friend of Children.

In June 2016, we presented on the topic of John Paul II’s legacy at the 74th Annual Conference of the Polish Institute of Arts & Sciences of America (PIASA) at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

June 2016. At PIASA. Left to Right: Speakers Maria Juczewska, Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak, and Bozenna Buda (President) with attendee Cecilia Glembocki. Page 10 • October 2017 Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter NEWSLETTER

In July 2016, we participated in “Krakow in the Capital” World Youth Day at Te Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, where we were also joined by the founder of our Chapter, the late Sir Walter Zachariasiewicz, who at 104 years joined us for lunch.

Above: Bozenna Buda (Pres.), Alice Laning, and Dr. Seated: Sir Walter Zachariasiewicz and wife Sandra enjoying a Edwarda Buda-Okreglak with our displays about St. John delicious Polish-style lunch. Standing: Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak, Paul II. Our Polish candies also proved to be very popular. Ray Glembocki, Bozenna Buda (Pres.) and Cecilia Glembocki.

In early-October, 2016, the Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Washington DC Chapter, held our annual "Wadowice-on-the-Potomac" dinner at the elegant Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA, with Monsignor Anthony Czarnecki as our honoree. Monsignor was greeted and applauded for his devotion in establishing the frst chapter of the Friends of John Paul II Foundation in New England. Te featured speaker at the Wadowice event was Rev. Pawel Sass, Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Washington, DC, who is active in Youth Ministry and was previously a lay Vatican reporter. He spoke movingly about World Youth Day in Krakow, and also about his personal call to his vocation as a priest, which he credits to the infuence on his life by Pope Saint John Paul II.

Oct 2016, Wadowice 2016 honoree, Monsignor Anthony Czarnecki. Wadowice guests enjoying the event.

In mid-October, 2016, several of us traveled to Rome and the Vatican for the 35th anniversary commemoration of the John Paul II Foundation. We were treated to a special audience with his holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican, and we also had the opportunity to participate in a special Mass at the Church of St. Peter and pray at the tomb of St. John Paul II. We took part in the festivities at the Polish Pilgrims' Home and we also heard about the important work of the Foundation which includes the digitalization of the documentation of the legacy and message of St. John Paul II. NEWSLETTER Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter October 2017 • page 11

Oct 2016, Rome. On left: In Rome. Sandra Zachariasiewicz, Msgr. Anthony Czarnecki, Bozenna Buda, Pres, and Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak. Center: Bozenna Buda greets his HE Archbishop Szczepan Wesoly at his 90th birthday celebration. On right: Mrs. Cecilia Glembocki receives the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifce Award in Rome.

In Rome: Bozenna Buda, Pres., is reading the Prayer of the Faithful during High Mass at the Basilica of Saint Peter at the Vatican.

In November, 2016, we hosted the Polonia Pilgrimage at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, DC. Te Pilgrimage was sponsored by the National Polish Apostolate Committee.

November 2016. Polonia Pilgrimage. At left: Mrs. Alice Laning and Mrs. Zofa Dunian at Polonia Pilgrimage. On Right: Holy Mass at the St John Paul II National Shrine. Page 12 • October 2017 Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter NEWSLETTER

In December 2016, we continued our tradition of decorating a Polish Christmas tree with Polish Christmas ornaments at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.

Dec 2016: Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak and Mrs. Barbara Jarzynski decorated the Polish Christmas tree using authentic Polish ornaments.

In March 2017, we sponsored the 2nd annual community outreach to university students with a display about St. John Paul II and a Polish dinner for the students and faculty at the Catholic Student Center at the University of Maryland in College Park.

March 2017: Students learn about St. John Paul II and enjoy a delicious Polish Dinner at University of Maryland Catholic Student Center. NEWSLETTER Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter October 2017 • page 13

In April 2017, we enabled an Easter week celebration of John Paul II’s life and Polish Easter culture for local seminarians and novitiates of IVE through our donation of Polish foods for the event as well as dvd’s about the life of John Paul II, and Polish themed prizes for the Easter contests during the Easter Octave. In April, we also represented the Friends of John Paul II at the Katyn Memorial ceremonies in Baltimore and visited at the Vatican Embassy.

April 2017, Left: at Katyn Memorial. On Right: Bozenna Buda, Pres, the Papal Nuncio HE Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak, and Sandra Zachariasiewicz.

On May 6, 2017, we welcomed Fr. Krzysztof Wieliczko, PhD, from Rome for our 3rd Annual Saint John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, DC (please read the full report in this issue of the Newsletter).

May 6, 2017, at Holy Mass. Page 14 • October 2017 Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter NEWSLETTER

Our Signature Event

Friends of John Paul II Foundation Washington, DC, Chapter

Under the patronage of His Excellency Professor Piotr Wilczek Te Ambassador of the Republic of Poland

Will celebrate

“Wadowice-on-the-Potomac”

A Gala Reception and Awards Ceremony with Special Guest and Honoree

His Excellency Archbishop Christophe Pierre Apostolic Nuncio to United States

Sunday, October 22, 2017 2:00 p.m.

Residence of the Ambassador 3041 Whitehaven Street NW Washington, DC 20008

Memorial and Special Occasion Donations Memorial donations in memory of your loved ones or donations honoring special occasions (anniversaries, birth- days, etc.), can be made to support the goals of the Foundation. In appreciation for your donation the Founda- tion in Rome will have a Mass offered for that intention at the Tomb of Pope Saint John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica. A card will be mailed notifying the family or honoree. The Friends of John Paul II Foundation is a 501(c)3-proft organization and all donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. $ Memorial or Special Occasion Donation for Please inform family or recipient of donation (name and address)

Your name and address: E-mail: Make check made payable to “Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc.” Send to: Friends of John Paul II Foundation, c/o Mrs. Constance R. Donnelly, 300 Kent Street, Falls Church, VA, 22046 NEWSLETTER Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter October 2017 • page 15

Wadowice-on-the Potomac Gala Fundraiser A sincere Thank you goes out to all our “Friends of John Paul II Foundation.” Donor List as of October 17, 2017

Ms. Rita Abessinio Mr. Nirmal L. Gomes Mr. Thaddeus Mirecki Mrs. Krystyna Ahrens Dr. Renata B. Greenspan Hon. Lucien Nedzi & Mrs. Ana Andonie-Skrzypek Ms. Patricia Haight & Julia Pepersack Mrs. Margaret Nedzi The Bergin Family Dr. Stephen P. Holowenzak Mr. Daniel E. Neumann Mr. & Mrs. Krzysztof & Ela Bledowski Dr. Anna Janiak Ms. Kathleen Noel Mrs. Bozenna Buda & JB Ortins, Esq Mrs. Mary Lou Karch Dr. Bozena Plawner Drs. Edwarda Buda & RZ Okreglak Dr. & Mrs. William J. Klepczynski Mr. Pierre Rahal Dr. Eva Coleman & Scott Coleman Mr. Karl Klonowski Lady Blanka Rosenstiel Mr. & Mrs. John J. Daly Dr. Maria Kontak Mr. & Mrs. Oleh Skrypczuk. Dr. & Mrs. Hugh M. Dempsey Mr. & Mrs. Alexander R. Koproski Ms. Patricia A. Skurzynski Mr. & Mrs. John & Joyce Desiderio Mr. & Mrs. Slawomir Korzan Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Stachura, Esq Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Donnelly Ms. Jolanta Lawska Mr. Szymon Suchcicki Mr. Neil E. Dorian Mr. & Mrs. Lewis & Barbara Levy Ms. Ewa Maria Szczepanska Ms. Zofa Dunian Mr. & Mrs. Chester & Jadwiga Lobrow Dr. Lyubov Tmanova Mr. & Mrs. John & Marianna Eckel Mr. Stefan Lopatkiewicz, Esq Dr. Wanda O’Brien Trefl & Col. & Mrs. Robert J. Flanagan Mr. & Mrs. Aleksander Macander Dr. James Trefl Drs. Beata & Marcin Gierdalski Ms. Myrna Mantaring Mr. Richard Wiermanski Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Glembocki Mr. Jacek Marczynski Mrs. Krystyna Wolanczyk Mr. Filip Golebiowski Dr. & Mrs. Marek M. Michalski Mrs. Elizabeth Zawislanski

In Appreciation: We continue to fnancially support the John Paul II Foundation in Rome, Italy and it is only with your generous donations that we have been able to fulfll these goals through our annual year-end giving campaign, donations from events, memorials, membership dues and other gifs. Many thanks to our members and friends for supporting the Foundation over these many years!

Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Memberships: New and Renewals

Yes, please count on me to support the John Paul II Foundation that was established by Saint John Paul II as a religious, educational, charitable and non-proft organization. $10 – Student $25 – Individual $35 – Couple $100 – Supporting $2,500 – Life All gifts including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, last wills and testaments are always welcome. The Friends of John Paul II Foundation is a 501©(3) non-proft organization and all donations are tax deductible.

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PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM WITH YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO: “Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc.” And mail to: Friends of John Paul II Foundation c/o Bozenna Buda, Visit our Web Site: 9911 Gardiner Ave. I would like to receive www.jp2friends.org Forest Glen, MD 20902 the newsletter by email Page 16 • October 2017 Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS 2018

Save the Date Te Next Annual Saint John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon Saturday, May 19, 2018 At Saint John Paul II National Shrine Washington, DC Starting with Holy Mass at 10 am and followed by Lecture and Luncheon With George Weigel distinguished scholar and biographer of Saint John Paul II Followed by book signing of his newest book Lessons in Hope My Unexpected Life with St. John Paul II

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