Błogosławiony papież Jan Paweł II i jego bliski związek z narodem czeskim

Who amongst us is unfamiliar with the personality of the Blessed Pope John Paul II, who deeply engraved himself into the hearts of the people of the whole world? This charismatic personality of Slav origin influenced the history of many nations, including the Czech Republic, which he visited a total of three times in his capacity as a successor to the Apostle Peter. This also testifies to his close relationship to the nation of Saint Wenceslas, which has announced its adherence to the Christian faith for centuries. We are, however, well aware that the recent communist past and the subsequent freedom of 1989 have profoundly affected the religious situation in the Czech Republic so that a spiritually developed country has became a place of consumerism and atheism. This was also a reason that Christ’s messenger came amongst us, so that he could once again direct us towards the source that nourished our ancestors, i.e. the faith of our holy fathers. Although several years have passed since the last time he visited us the words of this Polish Pope remain in our hearts, where they constantly resonate, that is they remind us of where to look for the true answer to every posed question. This article is intended to point out and at the same time remind us of the living link to this great pilgrim, who expressed his affection for the Czech nation in such a distinctive manner.