Newsletter of the Polish Cultural Council • Vol. 12 • Summer/Fall 2014

Remembering

My 93 year old aunt passed away two English, in a Polish neighborhood in sto lat, net zero zero sum, , , zero sum, months ago. She was the last of my Creighton as well as Canonsburg, you zero sum, net zero zero sum, net zero father’s siblings. Therefore, the last direct would think she should be fluent in sum! connection to my Polish ancestors who Polish, right? My sister luckily recorded this for pos- came to America is gone. terity; however, the lesson for all of us Aunt Irene was in a nurs- is that in time, memories fade. ing home in Brackenridge Message from the President And when we are gone, they during the last few years. She always are gone forever. In Aunt Irene’s case had her wits even though her legs failed Irene had been away from speaking she had a foggy recollection of her first her. When Marysia and I visited her in the Polish for well over 30 years since her language, but it simply faded away over summer, she insisted on us bringing ice mother’s passing. She forgot her first lan- the years. And with her passing, so did cream sundaes. In the winter months, guage. She still had knowledge of the food her memories. pierogi, kielbasa and krysiki were on the names, like pierogi, kielbasa and chrusci- PCC board member Mary Lou Ellena menu. ki, but her just left her. is working on “Polish Hill Revisited”, the On Aunt Irene’s 92nd birthday, my sis- Marysia would speak to her in Polish, but second in a series of first-hand, personal ters were at the assisted living home she just didn’t get it. But she remembered reminiscences which tell the stories of the preparing her party, when I got the phone Sto Lat on her birthday. When we sang “greatest generation”. Her first book, call that Aunt Irene wanted to have a Sto Lat, she joined in, but she created a “Polish Hill Remembered”, which sold over strawberry daiquiri for her birthday. Not new verse to the song that went like this: 3,000 copies, was a series of interviews being a mixologist, I was at a loss about “Sto lat, sto lat, net zero zero sum, sto lat, with who grew up in the ingredients of a daiquiri. Polish Hill during the mid- As it turns out, they are 1900s, and their reminiscences daiquiri mix and rum. A quick about the place. Look for Mary trip to the state store yielded Lou’s most recent article in this both. We arrived with the issue of The Polish Journey, prized drink and the party outlining her concept for her began. new book, another book of Next year, as we cele- personal remembrances. For brated Aunt Irene’s 93rd those of you who are part of birthday, she forgot to order that generation, or those who the daiquiris, but we all sang have relatives who lived during Sto Lot, and she joined in. those times, now is the time to Although she was raised in a record your story. Mary Lou is Polish speaking household, waiting to hear from you. Sto with aunts and uncles next Lat! Net zero zero sum! door who didn’t speak — Rick Pierchalski Liberation of and Eastern Europe all started with a word

that the spark for so much of this revolu- tionary change, this blossoming of hope, was lit by you, the people of Poland.” Until a few months ago, the 25th anniversary was mostly to commemorate a historical milestone, with possible reflec- tions on the future of Poland. Then, just a few days before the event, General Wojciech Jaruzelski died. He was infamous for implementing martial law in 1981 and jailing Solidarity activists. Later, as a result of the round-table agreement, he became the first president of the post-communist Polish state. The coincidence of these events revived the many controversies about not only com- munist rule and the martial law of 1981, but also the political and ideological com- promises needed to make the transition to a full democracy without open conflict, blame and punishment. Some old wounds “It all started with a word,” said Polish Berlin Wall months later, those elections – were re-opened, only to be sidelined by the president Bronislaw Komorowski at the the first free elections in the Soviet bloc – contemporary significance of the 1989 opening of a memorial to freedom of sealed its fate. elections. speech, “and the word was ‘freedom’“. The elections were, arguably, only A legendary figure of Polish anti-commu- The event completed three days of com- “semi-free”. The result of negotiations nist opposition, Adam Michnik, said: “The memorations in Warsaw of the 25th finalized on April 5, 1989, reserved 65% of presence in Warsaw of the US President … anniversary of the end of communist rule in lower house seats for politicians represent- reminds us of the meaning of our Ukrainian Poland. Coincidentally, the elections that ing the old order and left only 35% open for neighbors fight for identity and freedom, came to symbolize freedom for both Poland newly legalized political parties and inde- for sovereignty and rule of law.” and the whole former Soviet bloc took place pendent candidates. Once the election Michnik was editor-in-chief of Poland’s on the same day as the Tiananmen mas- results were announced, Polish society’s first free and largest newspaper, Gazeta sacre: June 4, 1989. desire to change the system was clear: the Wyborcza (Electoral Gazette), which was While the end of communism in Europe opposition won all the available lower founded to provide a voice to the opposition is commonly associated with the fall of the house seats, and 99 of 100 seats in the during the electoral campaign of 1989. newly created senate. The free press and freedom of expression Poland became the first Soviet bloc were central to commemorations of the nation in which opponents of the commu- anniversary. Among the many symbols, Polish Journey is a publication of the Polish nist system gained political power in a Cultural Council, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organiza- comparisons and reflections on this tion. Please address your correspondence to: legal and democratic way. Within Poland, anniversary, the notion of freedom was Polish Cultural Council, P.O. Box 81054, the elections accelerated the transforma- paramount. , PA 15217-0554, tel: 412.871.3347 tion to full democracy. More broadly, the Rick Pierchalski, President; vote paved the way for similar events —Aleksandra Hadzelek Maria Staszkiewicz, Executive Director, across the Soviet bloc, including the iconic [email protected]; fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, Reprinted in part from The Conversation, Eva Tumiel-Kozak, Editor-in-Chief; and ultimately the dissolution of the Soviet June 12, 2014 issue, with permission of Veronica Wojnarowski, the author. Aleksandra Hadzelek, native Maria Staszkiewicz, Editors; Union on December 26, 1991. Kasia Goszcz-Bruniany, Graphic Artist; In Poland last week this was empha- of Poland, who lived and studied in Mary Seamans, Graphic Design; sized by both Komorowski – “we broke the Pittsburgh, is now a Lecturer in visit us @ www.PolishCulturalCouncil.org Iron Curtain” – and US president Barack International Studies at University of Obama, who said: “We must never forget Technology, Sydney, Australia.

2 Polish Journey • Summer/Fall 2014 Share Stories of Your Polish Heritage Each day, hundreds of World War II in Europe, as well as stories of chal- lived them. We all know of individuals veterans leave us, taking with them lenges faced in the United States. Do who have taken a recipe for a favorite countless stories of courage, honor, and you have an interesting tale to share, signature dish or dessert to the grave sacrifice. We know that many Polish or know someone who does? If so, with them—quite literally! We cannot immigrants and Americans of Polish please email Mary Lou Ellena at allow those events that have shaped us decent from the Pittsburgh area have [email protected] or contact as individuals to die with us like a lived rich lives, portions of which Maria Staszkiewicz at the PCC recipe for pączki or zurek. Pittsburgh would qualify for a made-for TV [email protected] (412-871-3347) Polonia has many faces. Please allow movie. PCC Board member and to set up an interview time. yours to be commemorated in this new author of Polish Hill Remembered, As members of Pittsburgh Polonia, book, slated for publication in late Mary Lou Ellena is seeking to capture we have an obligation to share our sto- 2015. Set up your interview opportu- those unique stories for a new book. ries in order to provide a cultural link nity now. We will also consider third Endorsed by the Polish Cultural to the past with successor generations. party accounts about parents or grand- Council, the book will feature legacy Unless those experiences are told, they, parents, pending verification of facts. stories of hardship, survival and victory too, will be buried with those who had

POLISH FILMS IN NOVEMBER Come and check out Polish “JACK STRONG” The most “LIFE FEELS GOOD” Based Films during the 33rd Three spectacular Polish spy story of on a true story, it is an Rivers Film Festival: the Cold War era, the film unbelievable testament to the November 7th to November about Colonel Ryszard endurance of the human spirit. 22nd (Regent Square Theater, Kuklinski - a man who wages a The film was awarded Grand Melwood Screening Room, battle against the Soviets from Prix at the 2013 Montreal Harris Theater, Waterworks his position deep inside. He World Film Festival. Directed Cinemas) informs Americans about the by Maciej Pieprzyca. communist block's top secrets Among five films PCC plans in the face of the upcoming See you at the movies! to present: martial law. Directed by the famous Wladyslaw Pasikowski.

2014 Board of Directors We WOuld like tO WelCOMe:

RICK PIERCHALSKI, President BARBARA ZAWADZKI, M.D. was born in Warsaw, Poland and came to the United MERLE ADDAMS, President Emeritus States in 1961 and settled in Pittsburgh with her parents and sister after the family JOSEPH KAMINSKI, Vice President escaped. Barbara received a Bachelor of Science from Chatham College and a EVANNE ADDAMS, Treasurer Doctor of Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She sub- TERRI BARGER (Kaminski), Secretary sequently did a residency program in Internal Medicine at Presbyterian University Hospital in Pittsburgh (now UPMC), where she met her future husband, Jerome M. Itzkoff M.D. who is a cardiologist in private practice. After 11 years in the practice of JOHN ADAMCZYK, ESQ. DAVID J. MOTAK internal medicine, Barbara retired to raise their daughter, Sarah Victoria Itzkoff, who JAMES CLARK EVA TUMIEL-KOZAK just finished her Master's in Social Work. Barbara is currently the manager of her LORENE DRAKE VINSKI ANDRZEJ WOJCIESZYNSKI husband's cardiology practice. A member of the Board of Directors of the Children's MARY LOUISE ELLENA BARBARA ZAWADZKI, M.D. Home of Pittsburgh and Mario Lemieux Family Center, she is also on the Advisory PATRYCJA JAWORSKA-GARRETT MARYSIA ZIONCHECK Board of the Social Work Department of Chatham College. TIMOTHY KUZMA

HON. EDWARD BORKOWSKI, IRENE JAKUBOWSKI OUR WHOLEHEARTED THANKS to the members, who, for various reasons, had Honorary Board Members to leave our Board: John Bartus, kasia Bruniany, and Marie Zielmanski Fallon. Their invaluable input, expertise, their commitment to our goals and hard work MARIA STASZKIEWICZ, Executive Director made this organization so much stronger and effective. We are extremely grateful!

Polish Journey • Summer/Fall 2014 3 Speaking Polish-Piece of Cake By Veronica Wojnarowski servant, the hlafaeta, the eater of bread. after the Norman Conquest in 1066, as with thanks to Eva Tumiel-Kozak, Elżbieta Weard also derives from Proto-German, lampe, and was shortened to lamp. Dorkhom and Małgorzata Wojcieszyńska from the word warth, which means to turn Polish has an imperative expression toward. It is also the source of the words using lampa: Gadaj do lampy! It means In this issue, our column about Polish ward and warden. Talk to the lamp, talk to something which language topics turns to the derivations Through the centuries, hlafdige and will not hear you. If you are dissatisfied of words, or etymology. While English hlafweard lost some of their sounds. By with the reaction of the person you just speakers and the internet are currently the 13th century, the words lafdi and were lecturing, e.g. a child, you can say, busy spreading scientific and technical lavede appeared. They convey the sense Oh, gadaj do lampy. If you want to get rid English terms into other languages, here of a woman in a superior position. of a person who is lecturing you, you we explore three English words which can Through time, more sounds disappeared, could also use this phrase. This is a sel- be traced to a Proto-Indo-European word. and the words lady and lord emerged. In dom-used phrase and it is not exactly We also look at two pairs of words which contemporary Britain, the words lord and polite. If you think that someone is not are quite similar in meaning and pronun- lady maintain their meanings of people listening to what you have to say, the ciation in both Polish and English. who have proprietary rights and rules of phrase is benign. You can shrug your Polish, English, Latin and Greek all authority, and to whom obeisance is shoulders and say, Oh, gadaj do lampy. belong to the family of Indo-European owed. In the United States, the word The word lampas was in use in Poland languages, which spread in all compass means a woman of good family or social by the 18th century. It is the stripe on the directions from the plains of Eurasia position. It can also just mean woman. leg of a military uniform, made of a con- following the 4th millennium, B.C. Paradoxically, when preceded by the trasting fabric which is light in color. word hey, as in Hey, lady!, the speaker is How a loaf of bread certainly not being respectful. We gather together became a lady This ancient word endured, proliferat- ed, mutated, and became associated with The English words collation and confer- The English words lady and lord trace people to whom respect is due. One can ence, and the Polish word kolacja (sup- their heritage to a Proto-Indo-European speculate that these facts attest to the per) derive from the same Latin root. The (PIC) word for loaf of bread. This surpris- importance, respect, esteem, and even Latin collates (past participle of conferre) ing fact can be explained with a delightful reverence which are granted to bread, conveys both the act of gathering together story about the travels of a word. to chleb. and the act of having a meal at the end of Through the Slavic branch of PIC, in the day. This word is known to have been Polish, this word became chleb. There are Light Dawns is use by Benedictine monks in the 14th also variations of it in other Slavic lan- century. They would gather in the evening guages. Literally translated, the Polish When Polish-American children begin to for religious discussions or readings, expression ciężki kawalek chleba means study Polish, one of the first words which which were followed by a light meal. hard piece of bread. It conveys the sense they learn in Polish is lampa. This is Collatus made its way into French as col- of something which is earned in a hard probably because by adding only one let- lation, into Middle English as collacioun, way. Lekki chleb is something which is ter to the English lamp, they have words and into Polish as kolacja. easy. which are identical in meaning and are In American English, the word colla- The word traveled into English nearly identical in spelling. Thus, lampa tion is rarely used for a gathering of peo- through the Germanic branch of Indo- is an easy word to remember. The words ple for a meal. It is used by libraries to European languages. In Old High are nearly identical because they have the denote the physical description of a book. German, which influenced Old English, same root. The word conference is in common use the word is hleib. In Old English, hlaf The earliest known root of lampa is for meetings of academics or profession- meant loaf of bread. It combined with the earliest-recorded Indo-European lan- als. Copy machines have collators to sort another word, daege, which means maid, guage, Hittite (c. 4th millennium, B.C., in and assemble copies. In Italy, prima to form a new word hlafdige, the maid what is now Turkey). The Hittite word, colazione is breakfast, and seconda who kneads the bread. Daege is also the lap means to glow or to be hot. However, colazione is lunch. root of the word dairy, because the knead- the word traveled to Polish, not through In Poland, kolacja is the fourth meal er of the bread was usually the dairy the Proto-Slavic language, but from of the day. gather for kolacja around maid. Greek, through Latin, and then through 7:00 pm. It is a light meal which could By the ninth century, the status of the Old French. The Greek root for lamp is include kanapki, naleśniki or pierogi. hlafdige had been elevated to mistress of lampein. It means to give light, or to Among family, kolacja is not elaborate; servants, or the female head of household. shine. The Latin word for lamp is lampas; but if there is a celebration, or if guests She also had a husband, the hlafweard, the Old French word is lampe. The Old have been invited, kolacja can become a the guardian of the bread. And, she had a French word entered English, probably dinner party.

4 Polish Journey • Summer/Fall 2014 Exciting Concert of Duo Klavitarre from Poland

Austria, Venezuela, South Korea, Canada and the USA. Their polished and lively inter- pretations, combined with astounding sound and lovely costumes, make their performanc- es unique and personal experiences. The artists have performed together for more than 12 years. Both graduated with awards from the Music Academy in Lodz, Poland, where they found romance and their love of playing music together. Both have also performed as soloists. Jolanta’s piano repertoire includes works of Chopin, Rachmaninow, Szymanowski, Bach, Scarlatti, Beethoven and Debussy, among others. Both are the winners of many world–renowned competitions. These two strong music personalities compli- ment one another extremely well. They offer Jolanta and Maciej Ziemski perform as duo klavitarre. instrumental virtuosity, coupled with spon- taneity and excellent interaction. DUO KLAVITARRE (piano and guitar), with ences to their feet. Audiences thrill to their The intimate and exciting evening of Jolanta and Maciej Ziemski, will be featured exciting and diverse repertoire of romantic, music at the Trimont promises to attract a at a concert on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2014, classical and modern pieces. These two lot of attention among our members. For at 5 PM, at the TRIMONT Building, Mt. young and beautiful musicians have bril- more information please call: 412.871.3347 Washington. A reception with the artists liantly performed their own arrangements in or e-mail: [email protected] will follow. various countries including Poland, Spain, The Ziemskis have brought many audi- Rumania, Italy, , Belgium, Germany, —Eva Tumiel-Kozak

Dining, Dancing and Debutantes!

Come and celebrate the 22nd annual Bal ed with their escorts, swirling gracefully Polonaise and Presentation of Debutantes throughout the intricate whirl of reels and brought to you by the Polish Cultural Council! promenades of the Polonaise, one of the Join us, Saturday, November 15th at The national dances of Poland. Circuit Center and Ballroom in Pittsburgh's Mark your calendars for this highly antici- with catering by the Fluted pated evening brought to you by the PCC. Mushroom! Tickets for this special evening are only Twenty-two years and going strong, this $115.00 for PCC members and $125.00 for year’s Bal is certain to keep culture and pride non-members. alive and well in our community. Our biggest attraction - young The evening starts off with a cocktail Debutantes, are always in great demand. reception where guests can mix and mingle. If you know any young ladies between the Over 125 young musicians from North ages 16-25 interested in being one, please Allegheny High School Strolling Strings shall contact us: 412- 759-5054 For more infor- serenade guests as dinner is served. The mation visit: www.polishculturalcouncil.org Continental Dukes will dazzle and entertain or call 412-871-3347. for your listening and dancing pleasure. Watch as this year’s Debutantes are present- —Marie Zielmanski-Fallon 2013 Debutantes

Polish Journey • Summer/Fall 2014 5 The Threshold of Hope has been Crossed*

On the last Sunday of April, 2014, the Twenty years later, in 1989, while two modern popes, Johannes XXIII and studying advanced theology in Rome, I John Paul II, were elevated to Sainthood. joined Pope John Paul II in his papal Almost one million people from around apartments for Holy Mass, and for a per- the world gathered in Rome for this most sonal visit. I greeted him in Polish, with a historic, somber, and solemn event. Both reminder that we first met in Orchard Popes shaped the faith of Catholicism. Lake, Michigan. He replied: “Father, you Both left long-lasting legacies. We, the have a good memory”. I read his encycli- Poles, remember the extraordinary life of cals, especially Mater Redemptoris and personal sanctity of Saint John Paul II. Veritatis Splendor, and quoted from We remember his legacy of love and them in my homilies. I often reminded THE INFLUENCE OF JOHN PAUL II human dignity. people at Mass and at gatherings of the ON MY LIFE. One more article about “our Pope” lines from his homily in Warsaw, Poland, By Dr. Jan Napoleon Saykiewicz seemed to be redundant. Instead, I asked June 1979: “Come Holy Spirit, fill the Professor Emeritus, Marketing & International three prominent Catholics in our com- hearts of your faithful and renew the face Marketing, Palumbo-Donahue School of munity, two Poles and one Irish- of the earth—this earth”. Business, Duquesne University, and also the American, the Pastor of my Parish of St. God was so good to me that, through Honorary Consul of Poland for Western PA Bede, to share with us their personal the Polish Falcons of America, I was with thoughts on how the Pontificate of John the Holy Father in Hamtramck/Detroit, I have been asked if and to what degree Paul II influenced their lives. We are Michigan; Toronto, Canada; and the personality of John Paul II, the Polish very grateful for their generous contribu- Philadelphia, PA. Along with 13 youth Pope, has influenced my life. It is a very tion! (editor) from St. Joseph parish in Everson, PA, I nurturing question. Answering “yes” in traveled to Denver, CO for World Youth general, I started to think about the Day. We slept on the ground overnight, details. I found that the strongest influ- in anticipation of the arrival of Pope ences can be noticed in both the histori- John Paul II. I joined in the open dialog. cal dimension and the theological dimen- What an experience it was to be with sion. young people who so openly responded The year of 1978 had been quite sig- to his concern for them and their spiritu- nificant in my academic life. I was work- al future. ing that year as a visiting professor from In 2002, I lead a pilgrimage of Polish- Poland at the Graduate Program at American youth to Poland and Rome. Fordham University in New York. I We had a semi-private audience with the expected my wife and two sons (6 and BOHATER MOJ—NOW A SAINT Pope after his regular Wednesday audi- 10) to visit me in the U.S.A. for a vaca- By Rev. Canon Joseph Sredzinski ence. Each one of us knelt before him, tion. Unfortunately, the authorities of the Chaplain of the Polish Falcons of America spoke with him and received his Papal People’s Republic of Poland refused blessing. The young people were over- them exit visas, explaining the decision In September 1969, I was studying whelmed. I was deeply grateful and hard- by “other important state matters”, theology in preparation for the Holy ly could sleep that night. which meant political reasons. So to be Priesthood at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Each day I lifted my heart and voice with my family during the summer, I Seminary. The then Rector of the to pray the Angelus for his intention. returned to Poland. In August, I learned Orchard Lake Michigan schools told me Upon his passing in 2005, I prayed daily about the sudden death of newly elected that I was to represent the student bodies for his potential beatification and Pope John Paul I. and the faculty members in greeting His Canonization. His courage, his devotion The sadness caused by the death was Eminence Karol Cardinal Wojtyla. to Holy Mary, his charitable outreach, relieved in the month of October by the Following the official welcome in the his insistence on respect for all human totally unexpected and surprising news campus main Chapel, I met the life, beginning at conception, and his about the selection of Cardinal Karol Cardinal, served his Mass the next day, admiration for ethnic culture were Wojtyla as the new leader of the Roman and again served as Deacon at the Mass cemented in my heart as the way to live Catholic Church. The personality of in St. Florian Church, Hamtramck, MI. with a focus on eternity. Karol Wojtyla was not entirely new to I followed him more closely, after his On May 1, 2011, I was privileged to me. He was well known in Catholic intel- election in 1978. I especially listened to be at the Vatican for his beatification, lectual circles in Poland as a compassion- his public stanches on family life, reli- which attracted 1.7 million people. I ate bishop and cardinal in Krakow, and gious freedom, and outreach to Jews. walked by his wooden casket and prayed a theology professor at the Catholic He inspired me when he repeated the to Blessed John II. My long-time hero, University of Lublin. Also, he was known famous phrase, “Be not afraid”, encour- Pope John Paul II is now a saint to be as a close collaborator of Cardinal Stefan aging authentic human freedom in admired and imitated. Wyszynski, the Primate of Poland. Both Christ. were known as fantastic pastors and good

6 Polish Journey • Summer/Fall 2014 administrators, and also as strong but our earthly goals in a human and ethical evening for the Archbishops and their skillful critics of the Soviet-style commu- way. entourages, the Holy Father went from nist rule in Poland. person to person saying, “God Bless you” I shall remember the announcement and gifting us with a rosary. When he of the event in . came upon the youngsters, he burst out, Even the very formal behavior of TV “You’re Americans!”, to the absolute anchors suddenly changed. They were delight of everyone. radiating with excitement. There was an It did not hurt that Archbishop outburst of joy everywhere. The people Beltran, who, while he carries a Spanish couldn’t believe the news. One could see surname, grew up in his mother’s Polish folks crying in the streets, celebrating, parish in Wilkes-Barre, , and talking, praying, and filling up the became friends with the Pope’s secretary, churches to capacity. The nation consid- PERSONAL MEMORIES OF ST. now the Cardinal Archbishop of Krakow. ered the choice a miracle, and celebrated JOHN PAUL II Through this connection, when we came the event as a sign of hope. to Rome in 2000 to celebrate our 40th This historical event, the first non- By the Rev. Edward M. Bryce Anniversary of Ordination, we were Italian Pope in 400 years, was considered Pastor of St. Bede Parish, Point Breeze invited to celebrate Mass with the Holy a sign from heaven for the Polish people Father in his private chapel. Words can- after years of misery caused by the events What a remarkable privilege to write not come close to describing the impact of WWII and by Soviet-style communist about a Saint who has touched my hand of that experience. Mystical and pro- rule in the country. It elevated Polish and my heart. found come to mind, soul-shaking came pride, expectations and anticipation of On his first trip to the United States, to my soul. Here was a truly holy priest. changes into new levels. And above all, Pope John Paul II came to Washington, Many times during his Pontificate I there was a feeling of hope -- hope that D.C. I saw him on the lawn of the White came to Rome. Every visit included par- could change the life and fate of the House. President Jimmy Carter, a ticipation in the Wednesday audience nation for the better. My personal feel- Southern Baptist, had the courage and and/or the Angelus on Sunday. After the ings were exactly the feelings of all the good sense to invite the Holy Father and audience when the Holy Father people – hope, expectation of changes, to receive him formally. Cardinal approached the handicapped and the prospect for freedom and a better life. It Terrence Cooke was the Chairman of the newly-wed, I saw Christ. In the early liberated enormous energy in everyone, Bishops’ Pro-Life Committee, (inter alia). years, when he was newly away from his and created a desire for action. I got the He brought me, as Secretary of the beloved Poland, I could only imagine his feeling that I could do something special. Committee, to the official gathering. It suffering. I saw Christ in his patience. The theological dimension of Pope was an historic moment for America. He poured himself into the docu- John Paul II’s papacy, and its influence Anti-Catholic prejudice had prompted ments of the Second Vatican Council as on my life, also had extraordinary mes- previous presidents to quail at the a bishop-theologian. He poured himself sage and strength. John Paul II at his prospect of having a Pope in the U.S. into explaining those documents during October 22, 1978 speech in St. Peter’s President Carter broke the bond of preju- the difficult time in the Church when Square in Rome said the words: “Be not dice. novelty was trumping common-sense in afraid!” As the Vicar of Jesus Christ and In 1993 our Holy Father came to the the implementation of the Council’s a successor of St. Peter, he repeated what United States for “World Youth Day”. teachings. He placed his trust in the Holy Christ said to the apostles (cf. Lk 24:36) Our parish organized a contingent of six- Spirit and in Jesus’ Mother. “Totus and to the women (cf. Mt 28:10) after the teen young men and women and five Tuus!” said it all when some were tempt- resurrection. “Be not afraid” were his adults. We traveled by mobile home and ed to neglect Her in their devotional life. words after an assassination attempt on 15-passenger van to Denver, Colorado. He taught us in his youthful spirit as his life on May 13, 1981 in St. Peter’s The response of the young to the dynam- Vicar of Christ. He taught us in his Square. He repeated these words during ic Vicar of Christ was spectacular. He boundless energy for writing, traveling his pilgrimages all around the world, inspired them for a lifetime. and receiving the world. He taught us in especially during his visits to Poland to In 1993, my classmate, Archbishop his suffering of the ravages of illness and sustain and support the striving for free- Eusebius J. Beltran was installed as old age. He taught us to trust the promis- dom, independence and the growth of Archbishop of Oklahoma City in es of Jesus! the Polish nation. These words, the Oklahoma. When he received the palli- In his passing I wept seriously, as I Pope’s own example, and his devotion to um from Pope John Paul II, several of his had done as a young graduate student Holy Mary, the Queen of Poland classmates joined in the celebration with when Pope St. John XXIII went to God. strengthened my faith and my responsi- his family. A niece and nephew of the The tears were jealous tears, lamenting bility as a member of the Holy Roman Archbishop were chosen to be part of the my loss. The canonization of these two Catholic Church, as it did for millions of Gift Bearers for the Mass. When they great Popes of my lifetime prompt a debt other faithful in the country. He showed approached the Holy Father, he learned of gratitude to God for his never failing by example that the perseverance and that their family name was Polish. He love for His children, for His Church. observance of the most fundamental began to address them in Polish. The * Crossing the Threshold of Hope” is a book principles of the faith help us to achieve a young niece responded, “We’re written by John Paul II, published by Alfred higher level of humanity, and to achieve American!” At the reception in the Knopf, 1994.

Polish Journey • Summer/Fall 2014 7 Congratulations to Consul Saykiewicz Dr. Jan Napoleon Saykiewicz, our Honorary New York (PIASA). The Congress was held at Consul of Poland for Pennsylvania, was honored Warsaw University on June 19-23, 2014, and fea- by the President of Poland, Bronislaw tured many scientists, professors and specialists in Komorowski, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the arts from around the world. A long time mem- Radosław Sikorski with the Bene Merito medal, ber of the PIASA Board, Dr. Saykiewicz has par- for his long-term efforts in promoting Poland ticipated in the Congress with his wife, Elzbieta. abroad. The bronze medal is 38 mm in diameter. His special presentation at the Economics session The front has a crowned Polish eagle, surrounded on “Poland’s 25 years of Transition-the Hopes and by a ring inscribed “BENE MERITO: MSZ RP” Disenchantments” met with accolades. (Ministerstwo Spraw Zagranicznych RP – Ministry The final banquet, held at the National Library, of Foreign Affairs of the Polish Republic). The gathered many luminaries, among them: Professor back contains parts of the word “Poland” in Leszek Balcerowicz, the main speaker at the event; French, Italian, Polish, Russian, German and the Consul General of Poland in New York, Ewa English. Junczyk-Ziomecka; Minister of Foreign Affairs, The medal was awarded at the Fifth World Bogusław Winid, President of Warsaw University; Congress on Polish Studies, organized by the and many representatives of the Polish Embassy in Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences of America in Washington. Our warmest congratulations! Dr. Krzysztof Kaniasty Receives Important Honor Dr. Kaniasty has been selected as significant contributions in all of us help others Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s the classroom, in research, in crisis. 2014-2015 Distinguished University and in scholarship, and Dr. Kaniasty is a mem- Professor. He has been a faculty member who have been leaders in ber of the Institute of there since 1990. Kaniasty is perhaps the university community. Psychology of the Polish the foremost authority on post-disaster The award is presented Academy of Sciences in social support, having written numerous annually. Recipients retain Warsaw. He is President of scholarly articles, chapter and reports on the title for life. the Stress and Anxiety the topic. Kaniasty says, “It is truly an During his tenure as Research Society. He has honor to be selected for this recognition. IUP’s Distinguished been the recipient of many I am proud and delighted because it is University Professor, awards internationally for something I can share with my family, Kaniasty will work on a his teaching, his scholar- my collaborators, my departmental col- project that will address ship, and his research. He leagues and many of my students. Work the question, “When is serves on many national in academia, especially in social sciences, social support actually and international boards is a communal and collaborative enter- helpful?” His research focuses on the and associations, as well as many univer- prise. You cannot get by without a little differences and the impacts of “perceived sity committees. help from your friends.” social support”, a hypothetical concept, PCC is happy and proud to have Dr. Michael Driscoll, IUP president, said and “received social support”, a tangible Kaniasty, who has been involved in our that this honor is given to truly excep- concept. He hopes to prepare a set of projects many times. We offer our sin- tional faculty members who have made explicit recommendation which will help cere congratulations.

Sixth Annual Celebration Honoring Our Lady of Czestochowa Traditional Polish Wigilia Dinner

Polish Falcons of America will sponsor a Traditional Wigilia Dinner on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014 at the Sokol Club in Pittsburgh, Pa. PFA Cultural Commisioner, Lawrence Kozlowski, will host the event, leading guests in the sharing of Oplatki prior to dinner. For additional information, please call PFA Headquarters at 800-535-2071 or email April Miller at [email protected]

Saturday, December 6,2014 Sokol Club 2912 E Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15203

8 Polish Journey • Summer/Fall 2014 Did you speak Polish as a child? Do you Two Extraordinary Polish Stamps have family documents in Polish? Are you planning a trip to Poland? Do you want to By Veronica Wojnarowski learn to speak Polish? If you can say "yes" to any of these questions, please consider THE MOST BEAUTIFUL STAMP the Polish language classes offered by the Polish Cultural Council. This July, Poland was awarded the honor of “Most Beautiful Stamp”, by Register for Polish the International Philatelic Art Awards Language Classes in Asiago, Italy. This stamp, which was designed by Agnieszka Sancewicz, POLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES WILL RESUME commemorates the 455th anniversary ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th, 2014 AT 10 of the Polish Post, Poczta Polska. It AM, AT THE CYA BUILDING IN LAWRENCEVILLE, also celebrates World Post Day, which CORNER OF FISK & GOVERNMENT LANE, BETWEEN PENN AVE. & BUTLER. CLASSES was created to honor the establishment of the Universal Postal Union. RUN FROM SEPTEMBER THROUGH MAY. The stamp depicts a cross section of an oak tree. The growth rings record the more than four and one-half centuries of the existence of the Poczta Polska, with the Registration Form 2014-2015 centuries marked in Roman numerals, from the 16th through the 21st. According to ______Gazeta Wyborcza, the vote in favor of this stamp was unanimous. The Royal Post Name was established by King Sigismund Augustus (Zygmunt August) in 1558, and was, ______at that time, used chiefly for his correspondence with relatives in Italy. Address COMMEMORATING MONTE CASSINO ______City/State/Zip This year, Poczta Polska issued a stamp to ______Email commemorate the 70th anniversary of the battle for the Abbey at Monte Cassino, Class Choice: Rocznica Bitwy pod Monte Cassino. This Ì Beginner Ì Advanced stamp was also designed by Agnieszka Sancewicz. To Poles, the red poppy, depicted In the event of an emergency or change of in this hauntingly beautiful stamp, is a schedule, list the telephone numbers where symbol of remembrance of this battle and you should be contacted. of World War II. At the time of the battle, the ______terrain around the Abbey was covered with Day red poppies in full bloom, which were said to ______turn redder from the blood of Poles who died. Cell/Evening Look closely at the base of the bloom, and ______you will see the ground and soldiers in Signature silhouette, instead of the black center and ______stamens of the poppy. At the top is a faint image of the Abbey. Date Between January and May, 1944, the Allied troops were attempting to break Classes start the first Saturday following Labor through the German defenses below Rome, the so-called Gustav line, which Day and run on Saturdays from 10 AM – 12 Noon stretched from east to west across Italy. In this mountainous terrain, the until the middle of May. They are held at the CYA Benedictine Abbey of Monte Cassino loomed as a major defensive location for the building in Lawrenceville, 286 Main Street Germans. Three assaults were fought by Allied troops, with only limited gains. (entrance from Government Lane & Fisk). Meanwhile, the Allies planned Operation Diadem, a full-on assault. The II Polish Registration and Class Fees: Corps of General Władisław Anders joined the Eighth Army, with the responsibility of taking the Abbey. Between May 12 and May 18, 1944, the determined Poles Individual: $130.00. PCC Member: $100.00 fought fiercely, in horrendous conditions, and captured the Abbey. They proved to Family: $160.00. PCC Member: $130.00 themselves, and to the world, that Poland was still fighting on, in defense of Europe and in defense of their homeland. Please make your check payable to Polish For color photographs of both of these stamps, go to http://www.stampnews.com/ Cultural Council and mail to: tags/poland. For further information about General Anders army and the Battle for Polish Cultural Council Monte Cassino, go to http://www.historicaleye.com/montecass.html. P.O. Box 81054 Pittsburgh, PA 15217-0554

Polish Journey • Summer/Fall 2014 9 intensify their flavor and sweetness. It will also This soup can be served hot or cold. If the soup leave all vitamins in them. Roasted beets are also is to be eaten cold, chill soup in an ice bath and very easy to peel. When they are cool enough to refrigerate until ready to serve. Portion kluski noo- handle, the skin easily rubs off using paper towels dles (or croutons) into bowls, ladle soup over and or your hands. Grate the beets on a box grater or add a dollop of sour cream. use a food processor. Meanwhile, hard-boil the eggs, then cool them under cold water. Rhubarb Soup - Chłodnik Rabarbarowy Peel and cut into half lengthwise. Wash the Rhubarb is plentiful in Poland, so to find it in soup cucumbers, cut into small dice. Take a large bowl, is not uncommon. In the heat of late spring and throw in the cucumbers, radishes, dill and green early summer, cold rhubarb soup is a welcome onions. Stir in the kefir, then season with salt and refreshment on a hot day. pepper. Add grated beet stalks (with water), grat- There is nothing better then sitting out under ed beets and mix well. 1 pound rhubarb, trimmed, peeled and chopped an arbor or patio umbrella on a breezy sum- You may also add a squeeze of lemon. 5 cups water mer day and enjoying a cold Polish soup. Refrigerate it for a day or so (important). 2 tablespoons cornstarch Cold soups have always been extremely pop- Serve very cold, topping each portion with a 1/2 cup whole milk ular in Poland and, whether in the Manor boiled egg half or two. You can also add the 1 tablespoon seedless strawberry preserves House or Peasant cottage have always been diced shrimp and/or roasted beef. Note: Beet Sugar to taste enjoyed with great relish. Here are three of juice or packaged red beet Polish barszcz can be Cooked "kluski" egg noodles or croutons** my favorite summer soups for you to enjoy used instead of cooking the beets and beet Sour cream for garnish and perhaps to share with special guests . greens. Sour cream can also be added instead of the kefir. Place rhubarb and water in large pot. Bring to Chłodnik - Cold Beet Soup boil, reduce heat and simmer until rhubarb is ten- My friends call this soup the "floating Polish Strawberry Soup - Zupa Truskawkowa der, about 15 minutes. Remove pot from heat. Polish salad". Everything in this soup shouts This is a refreshing summer soup that actually Puree with an immersion blender or in a conven- summer! It is fresh, aromatic can be eaten hot or cold. Although today it has tional blender or food processor. and irresistible! become a "gourmet" offering, it has its roots in the Dissolve cornstarch in milk, temper and whisk into countryside where field workers would eat it cold hot soup. Add strawberry preserves to improve 3 raw, young beets as a thirst-quenching lunch when returning from the soup's color (or add a drop of red food color- 2 cups water to cover their mid-day labors. ing) and sweeten to taste with sugar. Return to 1 cup chicken stock heat, bring to a boil and simmer 3 minutes. Chill 2 cucumbers (small dice) 3 cups sliced strawberries soup in an ice bath and refrigerate until ready to 4 medium sized Polish dill pickles, diced. 6 cups water serve. Portion "kluski" (or croutons) into bowls, 1 cup of green onions, finely chopped 2 tablespoons cornstarch ladle soup over and add a dollop of sour cream. 4 medium radishes, finely chopped 1/2 cup whole milk —Recipe from Barbara Rolek, About.com 4-5 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped Sugar to taste 1 liter kefir Cooked kluski noodles or salt and pepper to taste croutons 2-4 eggs (hard boiled) Sour cream for garnish Few drops of lemon juice (or add pickle juice to taste) Place strawberries (this would be a good time to use the left- Optional: over strawberries from Cooked shrimp, diced Strawberry Sorbet) and water Roasted beef, diced in large pot. Bring to boil, Sour cream reduce heat and simmer until strawberries are soft, about 6 Wash the beets and cut off above the roots; to 8 minutes. Remove pot slice beets. Cut the stalks up to the leaves in from heat. Puree with an small pieces (about 1/4 of inch). immersion blender or in a Cook all parts of the beet stalks in 2 cups of conventional blender or food salted water (for few minutes only) processor. Dissolve corn- Use the water you cooked the stalks in as a starch in milk, temper and base for the soup. Preheat the oven to 400 whisk into hot soup. Sweeten degrees. Drizzle the beets with a little bit of oil, to taste with sugar. Return to season with salt and completely cover in alu- heat, bring barely to the boil minum foil. Roast for 30 minutes to an hour and simmer 2 minutes, stirring (until they are soft). Roasting the beets will constantly.

10 Polish Journey • Summer/Fall 2014 Please Renew Your PCC Annual Fall Picnic Membership Today! We would like to invite you to our annual Fall Membership Picnic Sunday, September 7, 2014 Croatian Center, 80 Schuetzen Park Road in Millvale, PA, 15209 Just fill in this form and mail it with 1 P.M. to 6 P.M. your dues to the address shown below. Thank You! Doors open at 1 P.M. PIG ROAST starts at 1:30 P.M. Music by Dave Dombrowski PCC will provide the food, drinks and entertainment Keeping Polish Culture Alive! The cost is $5 per person. Children 12 and under are free.

If you wish to bring a dessert to share with others it will be appreciated. This is an exclusive event open only to PCC members and volunteers in appreciation of your support. It is made possible through membership dues; the $5 per person cover helps to defray the cost of the facility rental. Information on how you can become a PCC Member will be provided at the picnic. Please confirm your participation ASAP but no later than August 29th.

RSVP by e-mail [email protected] or tel. 412-871-3347

Polish Journey • Summer/Fall 2014 11 Polish Cultural Council P.O. BOX 81054 Pittsburgh, PA 15217-0554

www.PolishCulturalCouncil.org

12 Polish Journey • Summer/Fall 2014