„Be not afraid”: Vatican Foundation John Paul II announces international project for young people

The programme will begin in the United States and will subsequently be gradually introduced in other countries and continents.

„The idea behind the project is to establish a dedicated programme at American universities and, ultimately, at European universities as well, potentially developing it into a formation movement for students. We want to provide young people with comprehensive formation, supporting their intellectual and social development in the spirit of Karol Wojtyła’s values” – Fr Tomasz Podlewski, Director of the Foundation’s Office for Media and Events, told Opoka. „We will soon begin working with specific universities in the United States” – he added.

The initiative was conceived by Monika Jabłońska, based in the United States. She is a doctoral researcher in political science, an author of books about St John Paul II, and an expert on diplomatic relations between the United States and the Vatican. She recognised the need to bring the Pope’s teaching to young people and encourage their involvement in the life of the Church.

„I was wondering what could be done to inspire new generations of young people with John Paul II – those who do not remember the Polish Pope and are unfamiliar with his legacy. That is why creating new initiatives specifically for young people makes so much sense” – she explained to Opoka.

The project is not intended to be a one-off event, but rather a series of initiatives taking place over an extended period. It will involve experts and leading figures from around the world who specialise in the teaching and legacy of John Paul II.

„We encourage young people, the Foundation’s Friends’ Circles, institutions and international organisations to join us in passing on John Paul II’s legacy to the younger generation” – Jabłońska added.

On the second day of the Vatican Foundation John Paul II’s 45th anniversary celebrations, which began in Rome on 19 October, Monsignor Paweł Ptasznik, Chairman of the Foundation’s Administrative Council, appointed Monika Jabłońska as the Vatican Foundation John Paul II’s delegate in the United States.

Upon receiving her appointment decree, Jabłońska recalled that her journey with John Paul II began in Rome more than 20 years ago, when she was gathering material for her master’s thesis on the reception of Karol Wojtyła’s literary works in Italy.

„I am delighted to return to Rome and help develop new projects” – she said.

The 45th anniversary celebrations of the Vatican Foundation John Paul II are taking place in Rome from 19 to 22 October. More than 400 participants are attending, including representatives of the Foundation’s Friends’ Circles, donors and scholarship recipients. The jubilee opened with Holy Mass at the Church of Santa Maria in Traspontina, presided over by Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz.

The Vatican Foundation John Paul II was established by the Pope on 16 October 1981, the third anniversary of his election to the See of Peter. Its mission is to preserve and pass on the legacy of the Polish Pope’s pontificate to future generations and to promote Christian culture inspired by his teaching.

The Foundation supports students through scholarship programmes, runs a pilgrim house in Rome called the „John Paul II Polish House”, and supports Christian scholarship, culture and the arts.

Ten artykuł powstał dzięki naszym Darczyńcom. Dziękujemy za Wasze wsparcie.