Polish bishops weigh follow-up plans after historic call for reconciliation with Russia

August 24, 2012

The Polish bishops’ conference will meet in Czestochowa this weekend, to plot out programs following up on a historic statement calling for reconciliation between the peoples of Poland and Russia.

The Polish Catholic bishops will reflect on the joint statement signed earlier this month by Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and Polish Catholic Archbishop Jozef Michalik of Przemysl, the president of the Polish episcopal conference. The statement called for mutual forgiveness and an end to centuries of hostility.

During their weekend meeting, the Polish bishops will pause to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Czestochowa. The Polish-Russian joint statement entrusted the project of reconciliation to the intercession of the Mother of God. As they signed the agreement, Patriarch Kirill and Archbishop Michalik exchanged icons beloved in their respective countries, of the Mother of God of Smolensk and Our Lady of Czestochowa.

 

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Further information:

• Biskupi diecezjalni na Jasnej Górze (Polish bishops’ conference)
• Pope welcomes Russian Orthodox-Polish Catholic pledge of reconciliation (CWN, 8/20)