On Saturday, 6 May 2017, the Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Washington, DC, Metropolitan Chapter, celebrated Saint John Paul II’s birthday and lifelong legacy in what is named as the annual Saint John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon with honored guest and speaker Fr. Krzysztof Wieliczko from the John Paul II Foundation in Rome.

Board Members with honored guests at the Saint John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon. From Left to Right: Dr. Richard Zbigniew Okreglak, Sharon Brzostowski, COL. Robert Flanagan, Mary Lubienska Flanagan, Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak, HE Prof. Piotr Wilczek, Ambassador

of the Republic of Poland, Pres. Bozenna Buda, Sandra Crabb Zachariasiewicz, honored guest and speaker, Rev. Krzysztof Wieliczko. Marianna Eckel, Raymond Glembocki, Cecilia Glembocki, Richard Wiermanski.

(Continued on page 3)

Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Washington, DC Chapter, Welcome Fr. Wieliczko on 6May2017

Page 2 • October 2017 Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter NEWSLETTER

Message from Bozenna Buda, President

Dear members and friends,

I greet you with the traditional Polish greeting, “Niech bedzie pochwalony Jezus Chrystus i chwalebna jego Matka”. Praise be Jesus Christ and His Holy Mother.

I am happy to report that our events celebrating the life and legacy of St. John Paul II have been very well attended. We have signed up new members. We have done outreach to university students, bringing them nourishing Polish food and information about the teachings and legacy of Saint John Paul II.

Last fall, I was fortunate to be present in Rome during the 35th year anniversary of the John Paul II Foundation, and participate in many activities. I had an opportunity to meet other representatives of Chapters from the United States as well as from other Chapters around the world. Watching children and young people in their colorful outfits actively participating in the festivities to pay homage and give thanksgiving to our beloved Saint John Paul II, and hearing the various presentations of the valuable work being done by the Foundation, made a lasting impression on me which remains with me today. It made me even more energized and determined to support the mission defined by the Foundation established during the papacy of John Paul II. It also allowed me to reflect on the role that our Washington, DC, Chapter plays in the Foundation.

Our Chapter, established by the late Sir Walter Zachariasiewicz, at the behest of the Holy Father himself, and now going into its 33rd year of existence, has always been the flagship Chapter for the Foundation. Our support of the Foundation in Rome, and our warm relationship with Pope John Paul II and his representatives, have been enduring for many years. In fact, Sir Walter Zachariasiewicz made a promise to our Holy Father that our support for the Foundation would not waver upon his death. The Foundation is at the crossroads of the world, helping people and nations to know about St. JP II’s legacy and promoting the culture of life. It is doing so in places that desperately need such help. It is up to us to keep this promise fulfilled.

Our second duty is to be personal representatives of our saint and spread the good news about him within our community locally. It is simply amazing how our local outreach to college students and to children and young adults within our local parishes, has resulted in their dynamic involvement and interest in his poems, his life and his teachings. We have had many faithful members, some of whom are graying or have gone to their eternal reward. But we also have seen increased membership from both younger and older “friends” through our membership drive and our other programs in our community. This May 6th, at the Annual Saint John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon, which celebrates the saint’s birthday, we were blessed to host the Rev. Fr. Krzysztof Wieliczko from the Foundation in Rome as our honored guest and speaker, who inspired us with the words of the saint himself, “be prayerful and be merciful as our Father himself is merciful”. At our signature fall event, “Wadowice-on-the-Potomac” on October 22, which celebrates the birthplace and the papacy of Karol Wojtyla, the future pope and Saint John Paul II, we are looking forward to being joined by our distinguished guest and honoree, H.E. Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the United States. We are very grateful to H.E. Professor Piotr Wilczek, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, for being our patron and allowing us the opportunity to host this event, which also serves as our major fundraiser for the Foundation, at his residence in Washington, DC. We also thank H.E. Prof. Wilczek for being at the head of a VIP honorary committee for this event, and composed of other distinguished persons.

I feel very honored to be your President. I could not have done this all on my own and I thank the Board of Directors and many other volunteers and “friends” of good will, who have made all this that we have accomplished possible. We are not finished. We still have a great deal of work ahead of us. As a relatively “younger” individual myself, I am very encouraged that I have been able to motivate other younger people who want to be involved in our Chapter and carry on the work begun by Saint John Paul II himself. Let us continue to go forward together! Let us re-discover Saint John Paul II together. Let us also remember our promise to our Foundation and that the “Gold Book of Gratitude for the Gift of John Paul II” is still open for your participation.

“Szczesc Boze.“ May God reward you for your support.

Officers 2017President

Bozenna Buda

ChaplainsRev. Jerzy Frydrych

Rev. Canon Philip S. Majka

Vice PresidentsMary Flanagan

Richard Wiermanski

Corresponding SecretarySharon Brzostowski

Recording SecretaryLinda Loch

TreasurerRaymond Glembocki

Directors 2017Sharon Brzostowski

Brian Buckoski, LTC(Ret.)

Edwarda Buda-Okreglak, MD

Marianna Eckel

Robert Flanagan, COL(Ret.)

Marek Michalski, Ph.D.

Ted Mirecki

Richard Okreglak Ph.D.

Sandra Zachariasiewicz

Honorary Founding Chairman

Sir Walter Zachariasiewicz (+)

Honorary DirectorsBarbaraJarzynski

Mary Lou Karch

Margaret Nedzi

Past PresidentsGloria Klepczynski

Cecilia Glembocki

Alice Lech Laning

Raymond Glembocki

Mary Lubienska Flanagan

Lawrence Ziemianski, DMD

Contact usNewsletter Office

Friends of John Paul II Foundation

9911 Gardiner Ave.

Forest Glenn, MD 20902

301-495-3377

Or visit our website: jp2friends.org

The Editor and Publisher reserve the right to edit and modify materials in order to be compliant with a format that is consistent with economical guidelines and accepted publication standards.

NEWSLETTER Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter October 2017 • page 3

Saint John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon (Continued from page 1)

The event was held at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, DC. The ceremonies began with Holy Mass in the beautiful and newly renovated Redeemer of Man Main Church with Reverend Father Krzysztof Wieliczko, Ph.D., as the main celebrant. A special grandeur was lent by the procession of the Knights of Columbus Color Corps in purple capes and chapeaus led by the Assembly Commander, who accompanied Fr. Wieliczko and the concelebrants from the entrance of the church to the altar. Special solemnity was lent by the singers, who included the guest soprano singer, Ms. Delia Zielinski, and the choir composed of seminarians and sister novitiates from IVE Seminary. The entrance procession started with singing by Ms. Zielinski of Immaculate Mary (well known in Polish as Po Gorach, Dolinach) and asking the faithful to join in the singing. Other songs included the responsorial Psalms, Gloria and Sanctus Dei sung by the choir in Latin, as well as solos Panis Angelicus and Ave Maria sung by Ms. Zielinski. The closing hymn Barka (the Barge), an all time favorite of Karol Wojtyla, even before he became Pope, was sung by Ms. Zielinski and the faithful in both Polish and English.

Following Holy Mass, Ms. Bozenna Buda, the President of the Friends Chapter, welcomed all guests, including his Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, Professor Piotr Wilczek, to the next portion of the event, the lecture by Rev. Fr. Wieliczko. HE the Ambassador and Fr. Wieliczko exchanged mutual greetings and gifts. Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak, Chair of the Event, introduced Fr. Wieliczko with highlights from his biography. She noted that Fr. Wieliczko, who was born in Poland, has been recognized as a man of many talents in the various positions he held in the United States before being called to Rome in 2010 where he continues to serve as the executive director of the John Paul II Foundation in Rome.

Fr. Wieliczko’s presentation was entitled “Saint John Paul II and His lessons for us in the 21st century.” His message to us could be summarized in the words of Saint John Paul II himself, “be prayerful and be merciful,” and on how we can apply that to our own everyday lives. Following the lecture, everyone enjoyed a complimentary lunch featuring delicious Polish cuisine catered by Creative European Cooking. During lunch, guests enjoyed the opportunity to personally meet Fr. Wieliczko. There was also the opportunity, for those who so desired, to render special prayer requests at Masses to be celebrated by Fr. Wieliczko at the Tomb of Saint John Paul II in Rome. After

lunch, guests could take a self-guided tour of the beautiful interactive exhibit at the Shrine, titled “A Gift of Love: the Life of Saint John Paul II.”

A hundred guests filled the beautiful Saint John Paul II National Shrine to celebrate and perpetuate the legacy, ideals and teachings of Saint John Paul II to all audiences. In addition to HE Ambassador Wilczek, among those present were Mrs. Sandra Rovsek Crabb Zachariasiewicz, who represented her late husband, Sir Walter Zachariasiewicz who was the driving force that established our local Chapter. Also present were our Chapter past presidents, Mrs. Mary Lubienska Flanagan, KCSS, Mr. Raymond Glembocki, and Mrs. Cecilia Glembocki. Our guests from Philadelphia included Mr. Richard Krzyzanowski and Prof. Janusz Romanski.

Following the formal festivities at the Shrine, members of the Board of Directors of the Chapter had an opportunity to meet and chat with Fr. Wieliczko. Later on in the afternoon, Fr. Wieliczko stopped for a reception in his honor at the residence of Drs. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak and Richard Okreglak. Present was also Prof. Romanski from Philadelphia who in his capacity as the President of “Polonia Technica,” (the Society of Polish Engineers and Technicians), bestowed on Fr. Wieliczko a diploma and a medal named for Thaddeus Kosciuszko.

We are very grateful to the staff of the Saint John Paul II National Shrine, and the Knights of Columbus who administer the Shrine, for welcoming us and sharing this sacred space with us on this special occasion. Many of us remember the beginnings of the Shrine which had initially started out as as the John Paul II Cultural Center many years ago.

We are very grateful to photographer Mr. Jarek Trocki, and Prof. Romanski, and all those who shared their photos with us. We also thank Ms. Mary Ann Evan and Mrs. Connie Donnelly, and all of those whom we could not individually name but who, nevertheless, contributed to our success.

Page 4 • October 2017 Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter NEWSLETTER

Rev. Canon Philip S. Majka Chaplain, Dulles International Airport Diocese of Arlington, VA

The Diplomacy of ForgivenessThe pastoral plan in the mind of Pope John Paul The Great started early in his pontificate. He encouraged us to open wide the doors to Christ. On the cross Jesus said, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they do.” It was not only to those who were aborting his life, but also for all of us who have committed sin. Christ taught us to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Papa Wojtyla manifested this concept at the Jubilee Day of Forgiveness in St. Peter’s (March 12, 2000). He pointed out that we should implore God to forgive our sins and omissions by which we had not only tarnished our own soul but also disfigured the face of the Church in past centuries. This had to be said and it was said by the Vicar of Christ…it’s the mission of the Church! This mission was given to the Apostles when Christ said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven and whose sins you retain are retained.” The only sin that is retained is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

John Paul implemented his thoughts about forgiveness in the 1980 encyclical, The Mercy of God. During the following years, he also prayed for the cause of Sister Faustina, the Apostle of God’s Mercy, who was the very first saint canonized at the beginning of the Third Millennium of Christianity (April 30, 2000). On October 27, 1986, he became the diplomat who invited world spiritual leaders to meet and pray together at the World Day of Prayer for Peace at Assisi. The spirit of Assisi was a new beginning of merci-ful forgiveness as it was started on the day of Christ’s resurrection. In the Czech Republic in May 1995, the Pope of Rome asked forgiveness in the name of all Catholics for all the wrongs done to non-Catholics. In the future, he repeated this request almost a hundred times. He intended the Great Jubilee of 2000 as an opportunity for all Christians to come to terms with the past sins and mistakes of the centuries. This is the Mission of the Church!

In the Rite of Penance we hear, “God the father of Mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins. Through the Ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN. (So be it!)” Let’s make it so!

Chaplains’ Corner

Rev. Jerzy Frydrych, SCh, Chaplain

Dear friends.Last fall, I made a pilgrimage, with other priests, to the Holy Land.

I recall that it was especially memorable when we visited the Basilica of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. Bethlehem, which now is surrounded by a high wall, is a reminder that we are constantly building our own walls in our lives. Those walls make it difficult for us to open ourselves to the love of God and mankind. And God is constantly trying to come to us. As a defenseless Child, He knocks on our hearts and minds. He tries to move our good will, so that we will trust Him more. In doing so, we may overcome in ourselves the enmity, selfishness and pride that so much threatens peace in ourselves and in the world. Our great countryman John Paul II repeatedly said, “Open the door to Christ,” “Do not be afraid”. Especially In our turbulent times, I wish all of us all true goodness and genuine happiness.

Rev. Jerzy Frydrych, Pastor, Our Lady Queen of Poland and Saint Maximilian Kolbe

NEWSLETTER Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter October 2017 • page 5

Spotlight on Our Members: Sister Act

Bozenna Buda, President, FJPIIF, Washington DC Chapter, and Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak, Chair Events Committee

They have held leadership roles in various Polonian organizations, but their true passion is supporting the John Paul II Foundation, and they show it as they work tirelessly through our local Washington, DC, Chapter of the Friends of John Paul II. They share ideas, they brainstorm, they help each other - but that’s just what sisters do, they say. They were born in Poland, still during the Communist era, but they grew up in the USA, “all the way up from grammar school, high school, college and beyond, to advanced degrees” and they blend their unique perspectives and experiences. They recall what important role the teachings of Karol Wojtyla, who became Pope John Paul II, and then Saint John Paul II, had played in their parents’, as well as their own, lives. Their goal is to share the good news about Saint John Paul II with others and continue the work begun by Him through the Foundation he started during his lifetime.

They recall how their love for Pope John Paul II the Great, and their connection and involvement with the Friends Chapter began years back, when they were barely half their age. They fondly count their dear friend, fellow parishioner, and role model extraordinaire, the late Sir Walter Zachariasiewicz, and other past leaders of the local Chapter, as inspiration and role models for the younger generation, which they were then. And now, years later, it is their turn to step into the unfilled shoes of those who came before them.

Bozenna, the President, through her background as an educator, recognizes the energy and talents which young people bring and the need to encourage them and mentor them to grow and flourish to carry on the mission and become the next generation of leaders, just as she was inspired by those who came before her. One of the programs she initiated, the Community Outreach program to University of Maryland Catholic Terps, has brought together college students, faculty and friends for a Polish-style evening dinner and a deeper understanding and knowledge of Saint John Paul II and how his teachings continue to be alive for the young, the old, and those in between, no matter what the origin or background. Another program featured the dramatic readings by children and young adults from our local parish of the poems written by Karol Wojtyla / St. John Paul II and the songs that were dear to our Saint. Such local programs have helped to encourage our growing membership among younger members. It is this closer knowledge of our universal Saint that has contributed to the further growth of new members in our Chapter.

Dr. Edwarda, the Chair of Events Committee is there to help make it happen. She and her committee are there to plan and execute the details of our events, no matter how great or small. For instance, celebrations which center around significant dates in the life of our patron Saint include our annual Saint John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon in the Spring, close to the birthday of Karol Wojtyla, the future pope. Our annual signature Fall event, “Wadowice-on-the-Potomac” celebrates the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla and his ascendancy to the papacy, and serves as the major fundraising event for the Foundation. “The planning begins months in advance”, says Dr. Edwarda, who has spent her life in the healthcare field, “and yet it seems like we never have enough time for everything. It is a labor of love for us. We hope for miracles, we pray for miracles, and miracles do happen.”

When there is work to do, you can count on the Buda sisters to roll up their sleeves and get it done. Both sisters say they feel a sense of joy and feel privileged to be members and serve Saint John Paul II through the Foundation bearing his name.

Left to Right: Bozenna Buda and Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak with their special Saint.

Page 6 • October 2017 Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter NEWSLETTER

Spotlight on Our MembersMrs. Ana Andonie-Skrzypek and Mr. Wojtek Peter SkrzypekPeter was born in Poland and arrived in Texas when he was 10 years old. Ana was born in Honduras and moved to Virginia when she was 21 years. They eventually met in Texas, married, and then decided to move back to Virginia. When asked about why they joined the Washington, DC, Chapter of the Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Ana says, "the life of John Paul II is unlike any other! It teaches us about: loss... politics...Catholic history...faith...hard work...courage...forgiveness...friendship and tolerance...and love. He is everyone's favorite Pope and there is a reason why! I believe his story is a wonderful aid to Catholic formation".

Left photo: Graciella Botto (Ana’s mother), Peter Skrzypek, Ana Andonie and Pres. Bozenna Buda.Right photo: Nirmal Gomes, Dr. Stephen Holowenzak, and Pres. Bozenna Buda

Dr. Stephen HolowenzakHe has had dedication, service and passion for his line of work and still wears several hats. One of those is that of a Faithful Navigator for The Cardinal Patrick A. O'Boyle Assembly, No. 386 of the Knights of Columbus, and has received several distinctions for his work and dedication. Sir Knight, Faithful Navigator, and Past Grand Knight, Dr. Stephen is happy to add an additional hat in becoming a member of our Chapter of the Friends of John Paul II Foundation. Dr. Holowenzak is an honored professor emeritus in Psychology at University of Maryland University College. He holds a Ph.D. degree from Catholic University of America in educational psychology, technology, statistics and measurement. He has specialized in teaching at military bases all over the world. While he has spent most time at the UM, he also has taught all over Europe, Asia and the Middle East

Mr. Nirmal Gomes“As I was born in a Catholic family in Bangladesh, going to Church with parents and praying the Rosary every day evening were our family obligation” says Nirmal Gomes. He is happy and excited to become a member of the Friends of John Paul II and says, "Really, I believe that I am called by Pope John Paul II to share his good words for our young generation”. Mr. Gomes is a Specialist in Higher Education Administration, Management- HR, Int’l Scholar Winner recognized by the Center for Global Education, The Catholic University of America (CUA), Washington, DC and Freelance Writer.

President Bozenna Buda at the Polish Embassy with our members of the Friends of John Paul II Foundation from Connecticut.

Left to right: Bozenna Buda, Patricia Kaczynski, Frances Pudlo and Virginia Pudlo. Fran and Gini Pudlo are sisters and have a Family Membership.

NEWSLETTER Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter October 2017 • page 7

Our Chapter ActivitiesSince our beginning as an accredited Chapter on November 5, 1985, within the Archdiocese of Washington, DC, we have undertaken several outstanding programs. We are blessed with capable and generous members who devote their time and talents to growing our Chapter and continuing the great legacy of Saint John Paul II.

During his 26 years as Pope, John Paul II promoted faith, life, human dignity, moral living and hope in our future and the future of our youth. This is his legacy for us and for future generations. The impact of this greatest son of Poland continues to be an inspiration for everyone worldwide and for our organization, which he himself founded.

Our activities and events reflect our stated Mission and Purpose, which are:

* Perpetuate Saint John Paul II’s message and legacy to all audiences, and especially to youth;

* Gain a deeper sense of his teachings by holding cultural events and lectures that celebrate and honor Saint John Paul II;

* Support the Foundation, our parent organization, in their charitable works with donations from membership dues, Life and Supporting Membership, Year End Giving, Memorial and Special Occasion and Events.

Events:* We feature one major annual event, with outreach to the community, in the Spring around the birth of St.

John Paul II, entitled “Annual St. John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon”.

* Another major annual event occurs in the Fall, named “Wadowice-on-the-Potomac” which honors the birth-place of St. John Paul II in Poland, and is also our fundraising event.

* Additionally, we sponsor, or are involved in, several other community outreach programs throughout the year, engaging students and youth, in displays about the life and work of St. John Paul II and acquainting them with his heritage in Poland and his message to the world.

Feb 2016: Bozenna Buda, Pres., with students at the Inaugural Friends of John Paul II Community Outreach Program at the University of Maryland Catholic TERPS Student Center.

Page 8 • October 2017 Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter NEWSLETTER

The Year in Review

In May 2016, Maria Juczewska, Research Assistant with the Kosciuszko Chair at the Institute of World Politics in Washington, DC, was the guest speaker at the 2nd St John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon, on the topic of “Scholars? Or Friends? Women in St. John Paul II’s Life.” Ms. Juczewska shared with us her research on the findings of methods of subtle deception which were employed in a recent British, made-for-television, documentary, which can be used in an effort to discredit, or cast doubt, on the life of Saint John Paul II. A delicious Polish-style lunch was enjoyed by more than 100 attendees.

May 2016: Maria Juczewska speaks and holds her audience spellbound.

Left photo: Fr. Pawel Sass, Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak, Chair of Events Committee, Maria Juczewska, Bozenna Buda, President, and Rev. Canon Philip Majka.Right photo: Mrs. Cecilia Glembocki and Mrs. Mary Flanagan.

NEWSLETTER Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter October 2017 • page 9

Discussion continues even while a delicious Polish-style lunch is in progress.

In June 2016, we presented on the topic of John Paul II’s legacy at the 74th Annual Conference of the Polish Institute of Arts & Sciences of America (PIASA) at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

In May 2016, we also sponsored a presentation by a local Polish Drama Club about the life of John Paul II, in English and in Polish, which included presentations by children from the Polish language school and included poetry, music, and slides.

May 2016: St. John Paul II, Friend of Children.

June 2016. At PIASA. Left to Right: Speakers Maria Juczewska, Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak, and Bozenna Buda (President) with attendee Cecilia Glembocki.

Page 10 • October 2017 Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter NEWSLETTER

In July 2016, we participated in “Krakow in the Capital” World Youth Day at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, where we were also joined by the founder of our Chapter, the late Sir Walter Zachariasiewicz, who at 104 years joined us for lunch.

Above: Bozenna Buda (Pres.), Alice Laning, and Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak with our displays about St. John Paul II. Our Polish candies also proved to be very popular.

Seated: Sir Walter Zachariasiewicz and wife Sandra enjoying a delicious Polish-style lunch. Standing: Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak, Ray Glembocki, Bozenna Buda (Pres.) and Cecilia Glembocki.

In early-October, 2016, the Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Washington DC Chapter, held our annual "Wadowice-on-the-Potomac" dinner at the elegant Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA, with Monsignor Anthony Czarnecki as our honoree. Monsignor was greeted and applauded for his devotion in establishing the first chapter of the Friends of John Paul II Foundation in New England. The featured speaker at the Wadowice event was Rev. Pawel Sass, Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Washington, DC, who is active in Youth Ministry and was previously a lay Vatican reporter. He spoke movingly about World Youth Day in Krakow, and also about his personal call to his vocation as a priest, which he credits to the influence on his life by Pope Saint John Paul II.

Oct 2016, Wadowice 2016 honoree, Monsignor Anthony Czarnecki. Wadowice guests enjoying the event.

In mid-October, 2016, several of us traveled to Rome and the Vatican for the 35th anniversary commemoration of the John Paul II Foundation. We were treated to a special audience with his holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican, and we also had the opportunity to participate in a special Mass at the Church of St. Peter and pray at the tomb of St. John Paul II. We took part in the festivities at the Polish Pilgrims' Home and we also heard about the important work of the Foundation which includes the digitalization of the documentation of the legacy and message of St. John Paul II.

NEWSLETTER Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter October 2017 • page 11

Oct 2016, Rome. On left: In Rome. Sandra Zachariasiewicz, Msgr. Anthony Czarnecki, Bozenna Buda, Pres, and Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak. Center: Bozenna Buda greets his HE Archbishop Szczepan Wesoly at his 90th birthday celebration. On right: Mrs. Cecilia Glembocki receives the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award in Rome.

In Rome: Bozenna Buda, Pres., is reading the Prayer of the Faithful during High Mass at the Basilica of Saint Peter at the Vatican.

In November, 2016, we hosted the Polonia Pilgrimage at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, DC. The Pilgrimage was sponsored by the National Polish Apostolate Committee.

November 2016. Polonia Pilgrimage. At left: Mrs. Alice Laning and Mrs. Zofia Dunian at Polonia Pilgrimage. On Right: Holy Mass at the St John Paul II National Shrine.

Page 12 • October 2017 Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter NEWSLETTER

In December 2016, we continued our tradition of decorating a Polish Christmas tree with Polish Christmas ornaments at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.

Dec 2016: Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak and Mrs. Barbara Jarzynski decorated the Polish Christmas tree using authentic Polish ornaments.

In March 2017, we sponsored the 2nd annual community outreach to university students with a display about St. John Paul II and a Polish dinner for the students and faculty at the Catholic Student Center at the University of Maryland in College Park.

March 2017: Students learn about St. John Paul II and enjoy a delicious Polish Dinner at University of Maryland Catholic Student Center.

NEWSLETTER Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter October 2017 • page 13

In April 2017, we enabled an Easter week celebration of John Paul II’s life and Polish Easter culture for local seminarians and novitiates of IVE through our donation of Polish foods for the event as well as dvd’s about the life of John Paul II, and Polish themed prizes for the Easter contests during the Easter Octave. In April, we also represented the Friends of John Paul II at the Katyn Memorial ceremonies in Baltimore and visited at the Vatican Embassy.

On May 6, 2017, we welcomed Fr. Krzysztof Wieliczko, PhD, from Rome for our 3rd Annual Saint John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, DC (please read the full report in this issue of the Newsletter).

April 2017, Left: at Katyn Memorial. On Right: Bozenna Buda, Pres, the Papal Nuncio HE Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Dr. Edwarda Buda-Okreglak, and Sandra Zachariasiewicz.

May 6, 2017, at Holy Mass.

Page 14 • October 2017 Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter NEWSLETTER

Our Signature Event

Friends of John Paul II FoundationWashington, DC, Chapter

Under the patronage of His Excellency Professor Piotr WilczekThe Ambassador of the Republic of Poland

Will celebrate

“Wadowice-on-the-Potomac”

A Gala Reception and Awards Ceremonywith

Special Guest and Honoree

His Excellency ArchbishopChristophe Pierre

Apostolic Nuncio to United States

Sunday, October 22, 20172:00 p.m.

Residence of the Ambassador3041 Whitehaven Street NW

Washington, DC 20008

Memorial and Special Occasion DonationsMemorial donations in memory of your loved ones or donations honoring special occasions (anniversaries, birth- days, etc.), can be made to support the goals of the Foundation. In appreciation for your donation the Founda- tion in Rome will have a Mass offered for that intention at the Tomb of Pope Saint John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica. A card will be mailed notifying the family or honoree. The Friends of John Paul II Foundation is a 501(c)3-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

$ Memorial or Special Occasion Donation for

Please inform family or recipient of donation (name and address)

Your name and address:

E-mail:

Make check made payable to “Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc.”Send to: Friends of John Paul II Foundation,

c/o Mrs. Constance R. Donnelly, 300 Kent Street,

Falls Church, VA, 22046

NEWSLETTER Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter October 2017 • page 15

Ms. Rita Abessinio Mr. Nirmal L. Gomes Mr. Thaddeus MireckiMrs. Krystyna Ahrens Dr. Renata B. Greenspan Hon. Lucien Nedzi & Mrs. Ana Andonie-Skrzypek Ms. Patricia Haight & Julia Pepersack Mrs. Margaret NedziThe Bergin Family Dr. Stephen P. Holowenzak Mr. Daniel E. NeumannMr. & Mrs. Krzysztof & Ela Bledowski Dr. Anna Janiak Ms. Kathleen NoelMrs. Bozenna Buda & JB Ortins, Esq Mrs. Mary Lou Karch Dr. Bozena PlawnerDrs. Edwarda Buda & RZ Okreglak Dr. & Mrs. William J. Klepczynski Mr. Pierre RahalDr. Eva Coleman & Scott Coleman Mr. Karl Klonowski Lady Blanka RosenstielMr. & Mrs. John J. Daly Dr. Maria Kontak Mr. & Mrs. Oleh Skrypczuk.Dr. & Mrs. Hugh M. Dempsey Mr. & Mrs. Alexander R. Koproski Ms. Patricia A. SkurzynskiMr. & Mrs. John & Joyce Desiderio Mr. & Mrs. Slawomir Korzan Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Stachura, EsqMr. & Mrs. Stephen Donnelly Ms. Jolanta Lawska Mr. Szymon SuchcickiMr. Neil E. Dorian Mr. & Mrs. Lewis & Barbara Levy Ms. Ewa Maria SzczepanskaMs. Zofia Dunian Mr. & Mrs. Chester & Jadwiga Lobrow Dr. Lyubov TmanovaMr. & Mrs. John & Marianna Eckel Mr. Stefan Lopatkiewicz, Esq Dr. Wanda O’Brien Trefil &Col. & Mrs. Robert J. Flanagan Mr. & Mrs. Aleksander Macander Dr. James TrefilDrs. Beata & Marcin Gierdalski Ms. Myrna Mantaring Mr. Richard WiermanskiMr. & Mrs. Raymond Glembocki Mr. Jacek Marczynski Mrs. Krystyna WolanczykMr. Filip Golebiowski Dr. & Mrs. Marek M. Michalski Mrs. Elizabeth Zawislanski

Wadowice-on-the Potomac Gala Fundraiser A sincere Thank you goes out to all our “Friends of John Paul II Foundation.”

Donor List as of October 17, 2017

In Appreciation: We continue to financially support the John Paul II Foundation in Rome, Italy and it is only with your generous donations that we have been able to fulfill these goals through our annual year-end giving campaign, donations from events, memorials, membership dues and other gifts. Many thanks to our members and friends for supporting the Foundation over these many years!

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Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc.Memberships: New and Renewals

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$10 – Student $25 – Individual $35 – Couple $100 – Supporting $2,500 – Life

All gifts including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, last wills and testaments are always welcome. The Friends of John Paul II Foundation is a 501©(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.

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Friends of John Paul II Foundation c/o Bozenna Buda, 9911 Gardiner Ave.

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Page 16 • October 2017 Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Inc. Washington, DC Chapter NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS 2018

Save the DateThe Next Annual Saint John Paul II Lecture and Luncheon

Saturday, May 19, 2018At

Saint John Paul II National ShrineWashington, DC

Starting with Holy Mass at 10 am and followed by Lecture and Luncheon

With George Weigel

distinguished scholar and biographer of Saint John Paul IIFollowed by book signing of his newest book

Lessons in HopeMy Unexpected Life with St. John Paul II

Newsletter Office 9911Gardiner Ave. Forest Glen, MD20902

PRESORT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDRESTON, VA

PERMIT NO. 6595