Fr. Adam Zieliński from Włocławek presided over the Holy Mass. celebrated in the church of Our Lady of the Ten Evangelical Virtues in Grąblin. The occasion for common prayer was the memory of St. Joan de Valois, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Mary.
In the words delivered by Fr. Adam Zieliński spoke about the similarities that an attentive recipient can draw and observe from reading today's Gospel of Matthew about the 8 beatitudes and the biography of St. Joan de Valois. - When you read her biography, this Gospel sounds completely different. The girl was rejected by her father, and her whole life was a streak of anguish, humiliation and depression. Despite this, she was a happy woman. Why? Because she trusted God - said Fr. Zielinski.
As the priest emphasized, she was not a role model in the eyes of her contemporaries. However, in the eyes of God, she was distinguished by many virtues which, from the perspective of eternal life, mean much more than admiration in the eyes of people. - Her image is a balm and determinant of the life of a true Christian. Therefore, one should try to imitate it, especially in times of criticism, rejection and social exclusion, he said.
Concluding his considerations, Fr. Zieliński encouraged us to follow the example of the exceptional and unique life of St. Joanna, they tried to imitate her, because perhaps in the eyes of people it is not perfect, but it certainly pleases God.
Together with Fr. Zieliński, who in the past lived and studied in France, and today is a catechist in the Włocławek Catholic School Complex. Jan Długosz, the Eucharist was concelebrated by: Fr. Mieczysław Jastrzębski, MIC, currently a preacher serving in the Licheń sanctuary, and in the past 35 years working in missions in Brazil, Fr. Eugeniusz Zarzeczny, MIC, the priest of the Marian seminary in Lublin and Fr. Zbigniew Borkowski, MIC, director of the Licheń Center for Assistance to Families and Addicted People.
Friends of nuns serving in the Grąblin monastery and Licheń parishioners prayed with the priests and nuns.
Traditionally, during the pilgrimage ceremonies, there was a reliquary with the relics of St. Joanna. After the Holy Mass, Sister Maria Ludwika, the mother in charge of the Grąblin religious house, took the floor, expressing her gratitude for coming and participating in the common Mass. indulgence. She also invited the faithful to the convent for a modest meal.
Currently, six sisters live in the convent. Masses in the Grąblin church. Our Lady of the Ten Evangelical Virtues are celebrated from Monday to Friday at 7.30, and on Sunday at 8.00 a.m.
Text and photos: Sanctuary Press Office
