Pope to Visit Auschwitz
Pope Benedict is visiting Poland right now. This is significant because the last Pope was Polish– and the current one is German. His goal is to establish better relations between the German Catholic Church and the Polish people. There is still great bitterness and enmity in Poland for the German people.
As a sign of respect for the great injuries his country once did to the Polish people, the Pope has promised not to speak the German language while in public on this trip. With one notable exception: he will pray for forgiveness, peace, and unity while visiting Poland’s most painful site: Auschwitz. For the first time since the gates closed, the German language will be heard within the former concentration camp. And it will be lifted not to order death and misery, but in prayer to the Creator of Life, the Prince of Peace.
What a beautiful symbol. I pray that God will redeem all the curses mankind has brought upon our world, and that he will heal all breeches and end all hatred. Let’s all be courageous enough to do our own little part, as the Pope is doing his.
The former Pope, John Paul the II, worked with the Polish resistance as a young man, working to keep an underground university operating when centers of education in Poland were shut down under the Nazi regime. Showing that Popes, after all, are pretty hip dudes.
Here’s the link to a story from All Things Considered that you can listen to on the NPR website: Pope in Poland story
May 26th, 2006 at 1:13 pm
I really enjoyed this post. I’ll be following this story(my super-slow dialup makes listening online difficult) - thanks for bringing it to my attention!
May 26th, 2006 at 1:44 pm
Wow…what an interesting story.
May 28th, 2006 at 2:05 am
Sounds like a powerful opportunity for reconciliation and love grounded in faith.
It would be interesting to hear what you see as your potential next steps that you encouraged others to take.
May 28th, 2006 at 12:37 pm
Wow. That is really powerful. I’d be interested in hear what your dad would say about that, since he has been to Poland and all. Thanks for the comment. I find it interesting that you mom was emotional about my move. Felicia is such a sweet one. So… I’m off to find some boxes. Party at my house tonight, are you coming?
June 1st, 2006 at 7:56 am
Where is the commentary from weddings 1 and 2? I´m waiting anxiously. . .
June 5th, 2006 at 11:00 am
don’t forget Nickel Creek Wednesday?
Where’s an update? it’s been a while!
June 5th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
Sorry, all! I’ve had some craziness afoot…back within a few days I promise!
Yes, Jenny, I’m stoked for W. night.