Karol Wojtyla, now forever known as Pope John Paul the Great, was Pope of the Roman Catholic Church for 26 years, from 1978 to 2005, the second longest pontificate in modern times. He is credited as one of the forces which contributed to communism’s collapse in Eastern Europe, was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, and canonized more people than the combined tally of his predecessors during the last five centuries. Pope John Paul the Great will forever be remembered as an influence for good.
This Musical Pilgrimage Tour will take choirs to the places of significance in Karol Wojtyla’s life, including Wadowice, his birthplace, and Krakow, where he attended University and was confirmed a Priest, and later, Archbishop.
Being influence by Christianity since the 10th century, Poland is home to many sacred sites, icons, and relics. Participating choirs will visit Częstochowa, regarded as the Holiest City in Poland and see the “Black Madonna,” which is widely venerated and credited with many miracles.
Of special importance is a trip to Lagiewniki, outside of Krakow, to visit the Shrine of The Divine Mercy, St. Faustina’s tomb. Maria Faustina Kowalska, commonly known as St. Faustina after Pope John Paul II canonized her in 2000, was a member of the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Poland during the 1920’s and 1930’s. In her 600-page diary, she detailed visions she had of Jesus, who’s message in His revelations to St. Faustina was that of great mercy - that He is mercy itself. The revelations to Faustina therefore became known as “The Message of Divine Mercy.” The foremost champion of the Divine Mercy message in our day has been Pope John Paul II. During his visit to Faustina's tomb on June 7, 1997, he stated that Divine Mercy has "formed the image of his pontificate."
Walking in the footsteps of Pope John Paul the Great is an opportunity to sing sacred music in beautiful, significant settings, to be close to the Divine, and to receive inspiration. We look forward to working with you and customizing the perfect itinerary as your choir walks In the Footsteps of Pope John Paul the Great!
