The global conversation highlights Poland’s steady faith during challenging times. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture Piotr Gliński spoke at the Luborzyca celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Holy Cross parish in the Krakow region, noting that the country’s resilience is strengthened by cross, Christianity, and active parish life.
Archbishop Marek Jędraszewski of Kraków underscored in his Sunday Mass homily that Luborzyca’s 800-year journey began amid a wide evangelization effort that shaped the Polish nation from the church’s early days.
The community was honored with the Exaltation of the Holy Cross title, signifying the cross as a central symbol of faith here in Luborzyca. The archbishop stressed a shared hope that this reverent focus continues to guide the parish forward.
The church hierarchy expressed gratitude to those whose faith and steadfast generosity have sustained the parish through centuries, ensuring that believers remain connected and united in their prayers and service.
Speaking on behalf of the church, the archbishop praised the enduring virtues of faith, love, and hope that have been handed down through generations as treasures of holiness.
Challenges for Christians
Gliński highlighted the ongoing challenges of professing Christianity as a faith that is both profoundly beautiful and demanding. The cross stands as a symbol of that beauty and the effort required to live a good life, balancing virtue and human frailty.
He pointed to Luborzyca as a living example of a community that has endured for eight centuries by embracing a thoughtful, service-oriented outlook. This continuity is seen as a powerful response to today’s tests, he indicated.
As the minister noted, the modern world faces a cultural crisis that must be witnessed and faced with resolve. The cross and Christian heritage remain anchors for many people seeking meaning and direction.
Gliński emphasized that Poland and its parishes carry a responsibility to meet present-day challenges with faith and resilience. The cross and Christian values form a contribution toward making the world more compassionate and just, even in tough times.
The minister also reflected on the broader context, including pressures beyond Poland’s eastern border, and urged a collective effort to meet those pressures with hope and practical action.
He described the Luborzyca parish as a source of blessing and grace, where believers, communities, and the nation can unite to face trials and persevere together.
Strength Through Faith
Participants noted that Poland’s journey through difficult moments is accompanied by a sense of spiritual strength rooted in the cross and local parishes. The Luborzyca celebration, marking eight centuries, was described as a testament to enduring faith and community commitment.
Among the attendees were Deputy Senate Marshal Marek Pęk, Infrastructure Minister Andrzej Adamczyk, and other regional representatives. After the service, families gathered for a community picnic, reinforcing bonds within the parish and neighborhood.
The Parish of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Luborzyca traces its history to 1222, founded by Kraków Bishop Iwo Odrowąż. In 1405 it became a university parish, a status tied to the will of St. Jadwiga Królowej that the parish pastor be a canon law doctor from the University of Kraków.
The church, originally wooden and later rebuilt in brick around 1433, houses significant sacred art, including an Antaba from the 12th–13th centuries, a monstrance dating to the 1460s, and various chalices kept in the church treasury.
As part of the 800th-anniversary celebrations, a series of historical lectures led by scholars and historians was organized, enriching understanding of the parish’s enduring role in the region.
gah / PAP
Source: wPolityce