Around two thousands of Polish Americans gathered in Chicago on Sunday to celebrate the 107th anniversary of Poland’s independence, joining in prayer and patriotic events at the Holy Trinity Polish Mission, one of the city’s key centers of Polish community life.

Approximately 2,000 people attended the ceremony, including representatives from Polish parishes, veterans’ groups, schools, and cultural organizations. Among the guests were Polish Vice Consul Renata Lalik-Gałan, representatives of the Polish Museum of America, the Polish American Congress, the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association, as well as numerous community clubs and associations. National colors, traditional folk attire, prayers, and the singing of Polish patriotic hymns marked the celebration.

The centerpiece of the event was a solemn Mass concelebrated by priests of the Society of Christ Fathers for Polonia Abroad: Fr. Marek Grygiel SChr, Fr. Adam Słomiński SChr, and Fr. Robert Będziński SChr, pastor of the parish.

“It Is Not Enough to Rebuild Walls – We Must Rebuild Hearts”

In his homily, Fr. Grygiel emphasized that the renewal of a nation begins within the conscience and the family. “A temple of marble does not save. What saves is a heart that becomes God’s dwelling place,” he said. Referring to the teaching of Cardinal August Hlond, founder of the Society of Christ Fathers, he added: “It is not enough to rebuild walls and cities. We must rebuild hearts. Poland must be holy, for only a holy Poland will be truly free.” He stressed that spiritual independence is born in encounter with Christ and that “we will not win through hatred, but through love, sacrifice, and prayer.”

Faith, Memory, and Community

After the Mass, participants took part in a patriotic concert featuring a brass orchestra and traditional Polish songs. Later, the Polish Museum of America hosted a commemorative program highlighting the nation’s path to freedom and the role of the Church and the Polish diaspora in preserving national identity.
Attendees said the celebrations at Holy Trinity and the Polish Museum were not only a remembrance of the past, but also a manifestation of faith, unity, and gratitude for the gift of a free homeland.

Fr. Marek Grygiel T.Chr. / Family News Service

Photo: Wojciech Adamski