Family News Service – Papal March on Sunday: For Life, Family, and Faith

On Sunday, October 19, the streets of Warsaw will once again fill with participants of the National Papal March — a tribute to St. John Paul II and a call to remember the enduring values on which Christian civilization stands. The event this year also coincides with the 41st anniversary of the martyrdom of Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko.

A Reminder of What Truly Matters

“We are marching because we want to recall the rich teaching on the value and sanctity of life — a message that is greatly needed today, perhaps even more than during the pontificate of John Paul II,” said Paweł Ozdoba, co-organizer of the event, in an interview with Family News Service.

The Papal March will begin with Holy Mass at 1:00 p.m. in the Basilica of the Holy Cross on Krakowskie Przedmieście. After the liturgy, participants will proceed to Castle Square. As the organizer emphasizes, this is not only a religious gathering but also a public witness of faith.

“We want to affirm the values that form the foundation of our civilization — the family, marriage, and the defense of life. The world today is in great need of promoting these essential and fundamental values,” Ozdoba noted.

Third Edition of the March – A Tradition That Unites

The National Papal March was held for the first time three years ago.

“At that time, a wave of hostility directed at the person of John Paul II mobilized Polish Catholics. We could not accept a narrative that would harm both the faithful in Poland and the good name of John Paul II,” Ozdoba recalled.

The first march brought together around 70,000 participants who walked through the streets of Warsaw in defense of the Polish Pope’s good name. A year later, the faithful gathered again to mark the 40th anniversary of the martyrdom of Blessed Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko, concluding their prayerful walk at his shrine in Warsaw’s Żoliborz district.

Remembering Three Great Poles

This year’s march honors the memory of St. John Paul II, Blessed Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko, and Blessed Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński.
“These three figures remain deeply important to us and continue to guide our actions. Saint John Paul II remains a signpost for every Pole — for the young, the elderly, and entire families,” Paweł Ozdoba emphasized.

photo. marszpapieski.pl

Family News Service