Polish Bishop To Faithful in the Diocese of Brooklyn: Love, Hope & Faith Sustain Heritage

Auxiliary Bishop Robert Chrząszcz of Krakow, Poland, called on the faithful to use faith, love, and hope to preserve their cultural identity during a Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph on Oct. 18. Celebrating Polish American Heritage Month, the bishop stated that these three qualities ensure heritage remains a living reality with a future rather than just a memory.

Bishop Robert Brennan and Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski concelebrated the Mass, which featured traditional Polish hymns and folk attire. The event followed the theme "Faith, Freedom, Heritage" to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Father Grzegorz Stasiak, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish and coordinator for the Polish Apostolate in the Diocese of Brooklyn, said the anniversary allows Polish Americans to celebrate their American identity and the freedoms provided by the United States while remaining proud of their Catholic faith and Polish roots.