Ten thousand graduates, over 250 million zlotys allocated for scholarships, 25 years of activity, and scholarship recipients in every one of Poland’s 40+ dioceses – these numbers tell the story of an initiative born in response to the appeal of Saint John Paul II. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, the “Work of the New Millennium” Foundation is a unique undertaking that not only supports the education of talented young people from low-income families but also fosters in them Christian and community values.
A Response to the Pope’s Appeal
The Foundation was established by the Polish Bishops’ Conference on May 10, 2000, in response to the words spoken by the Polish Pope during his seventh pilgrimage to his homeland in 1999. At that time, John Paul II reminded the faithful that “the cry of the poor” calls for concrete action. Among the initiators of the Foundation were Bishop Jan Chrapek and Fr. Dariusz Kowalczyk, who envisioned it from the beginning not merely as a scholarship program, but as a tool for the spiritual and social transformation of the younger generation.
A Scholarship Is Only the Beginning
Today, the Foundation is active in every diocese in Poland. Each year, around 2,000 school and university students benefit from the scholarship program, with that number consistently maintained thanks to the ongoing support of individual donors, institutions, and companies.
“My academic path gained a deeper dimension thanks to the ‘Work of the New Millennium’ Foundation, which I’ve been part of since high school. The Foundation not only provided financial support, but above all helped me build my faith and sense of community,” says Bartłomiej Dziurczak, a mathematics student at AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków.
A Community That Forms and Unites
Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship recipients participate in summer formation camps, retreats, and workshops. They form a community that grows stronger each year—both spiritually and socially. Many friendships forged during this time of formation endure for years and often lead to new joint initiatives in adult life.
Katarzyna Stalmach, a law student at the Higher School of Justice in Warsaw, also highlights the importance of this communal experience. “Formation and contact with other scholarship holders help me become a better person. I also try to live by the teachings of Saint John Paul II. I admire his qualities—his optimism, sense of humor—and his gifts, such as his ability to give hope and inspire others. I’m truly grateful that together with other scholarship recipients, I can be a Living Memorial to this extraordinary man,” she says.
Papal Day – A Celebration of Memory and Solidarity
The Foundation is also the organizer of Papal Day, an annual event that commemorates the legacy of John Paul II. It includes a nationwide fundraising campaign for the scholarship fund. To date, 24 editions of Papal Day have been held, and the proceeds collected go directly toward expanding the program.
A Living Monument of Hope
The 25th anniversary is not only an occasion for reflection, but also a testament to the Foundation’s ongoing fulfillment of the spiritual legacy of Saint John Paul II. By promoting solidarity, social love, and responsibility for others, it demonstrates that the true monument to the Polish Pope is not built in stone—it lives on in the hearts and actions of young people who are transforming the world for the better: starting with their families, their local communities, and reaching across society as a whole.
Photo: Fundacja Dzieło Nowego Tysiąclecia / Facebook
Family News Service