Polish Bishop Inspires During Lenten Retreat

Special treat for hundreds of Polish-speaking faithful

For hundreds of Polish-speaking faithful of the Diocese of Venice a visit by a Bishop from their homeland was a special treat during this Lenten season.

Bishop Grzegorz Kaszak, of the Diocese of Socnowiec, Poland, led a two-day retreat/reflection at Epiphany Cathedral March 7-8. He was invited to the Diocese of Venice by Bishop Frank J. Dewane to lead a Lenten reflection for the vibrant Polish-speaking community.

Bishop Kaszak first celebrated Mass for more than 500 people explaining how it is important for the faithful to not lose focus and to keep God at the center of their lives.

Harriet Lowandowski of Venice said she was inspired by the Mass and retreat which took place over two sessions. “This was very special for me. He is such a holy man and spoke to my heart.”

Halina Jentas of North Port agreed. “This was such a unique opportunity for me and for the entire Polish-speaking community to have a Bishop come from Poland and talk to us directly. I feel blessed to have been part of this.”

Bishop Kaszak also spoke about the importance of living your life as God would have wanted because of the dangers as society attempts to marginalize or eliminate God altogether. The altar included a portrait of Our Lady of Czestochowa, an iconic religious symbol in Poland.

At the end of the retreat, Bishop Kaszak and Bishop Dewane were given flowers in thanks for the event.

Return