April 2, 2005

Northern California Polish community remembers Pope

The Polish American Club of Greater Sacramento and Polish-nationals are sharing their memories of Pope John Paul II and his place in history.

The Pope, his original name Karol Wojtyla, was born in Wadowice, about 30 miles from Krakow. Wojtyla secretly studied theology during the Nazi occupation of Poland and eventually became the archbishop of Krakow. Within months of becoming the Roman Catholic leader in 1978, he returned for a visit that historians say helped end the Cold War. He spoke highly of a then-quiet labor movement called Solidarity that would later emerge to reshape Poland.

The Club’s members say they are extremely proud of the religious leader’s Polish heritage. Angie Wisniewska Acevedo says that while she was still living in Poland, people would stop whatever they were doing when the pontiff appeared on television and exclaim excitedly, “There he is! The Pope!”

Club president Lois Oleniacz Wilson says, “I have heard him called ‘Pope John Paul the Great’ because of the way he has related to leaders and nations. He is very worldly and a humanitarian. I’m sure Club members are very saddened by his passing.”

Additional media assistance is available by contacting Teresa (Terry) Filipowicz, vice president of publicity at (916) 427-7742 or rosevillepolishclub@yahoo.com

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TF-Apr05-07