Family Day is, first and foremost, an integration of families and, at the same time, a beautiful religious experience. It’s a reinforcement that many of us share the same values,” said the Rector of the Polish Catholic Mission in England and Wales, Fr. Stefan Wylężek. For the past 13 years, Polish families of Great Britain have been meeting at Laxton Hall on the Feast of Pentecost for a Family Day, which was held on May 28 this year.
The Polish Catholic Mission’s Rector emphasized the variety of Polish groups at this year’s gathering. „There is the Domestic Church community present, there are members of Marriage Encounters and the Men of St. Joseph – all of these movements are close to the pastoral care for families,” Fr. Stefan Wylężek said. He believes „such an inclusive meeting not only at the parish level but also at the all-mission level, connecting different parishes, is very encouraging.”
This year, about 800 people attended the Family Day. As long-time participants stress, the Family Day „is getting bigger and more beautiful each year. The Polish community shows beautiful faith, and at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit hangs very strong here.” The gathering of families is also an opportunity to share faith with English and Welsh Catholics. „We are here full of joy and faith, and we are happy to continue in this beautiful faith and to share this with our English Catholic brothers and sisters,” they emphasize.
The highlight of the Family Day was the Mass with the renewal of marriage vows. A presentation by Bishop Piotr Turzynski, the Polish Bishops’ Conference Delegate for the Pastoral Care of Poles Abroad, was also held, followed by a concert by the Polish gospel band AMEN AdoraMus Emigrants to the Most High, led by Roman Licznerski. The meeting ended with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Every year, the theme of the Feast of the Family is related to the motto of the pastoral program of the Polish Bishops’ Conference. This year, „I believe in the Church of Christ.” The Episcopate Delegate delivered the talk on „Family – Home Church, Family – Home of the Church,” also the event theme.
Laxton Hall is a facility that has belonged to the Polish Catholic Mission in England and Wales since 1962. It is home to the Polish Care Home for the elderly and those needing assistance, where the Sisters of Shared Work of the Immaculate Mary and lay people work. There are currently 30 residents at Laxton Hall. It is here that events such as Family Day, Happy Children’s Day, Corpus Christi celebrations, and scouting events are held.
The history of the Polish Catholic Mission in England and Wales is linked to Poland’s past since the 19th century. Polish emigrants came to the British Isles after the independence uprisings of 1830 and 1863 collapsed.
From September 15 to 17, the 6th World Congress of Polish Families will be held at the Polsat Plus Arena in Gdansk, Poland, allowing Polish families from many countries to meet. All: Bishop Piotr Turzynski, the Polish Family Council, speakers, and families – invite you to Gdansk. The organizers encourage people to plan their vacations in Poland now. Registration is underway at https://kongresrodzinpolonijnych.pl/.
Photos: archives of Bishop Piotr Turzynski
