Foresters’ Day, officially established on July 12 by the Director-General of the State Forests in Poland, honours the legacy of St. Giovanni Gualberto, the patron saint of foresters, park rangers, and parks. This date was chosen to coincide with the feast day of St. Giovanni Gualberto, who played a pivotal role in forest conservation.
Patron Saint of Foresters and Pioneers of Forest Stewardship
St. Giovanni Gualberto retreated into the forest’s depths, where he founded a monastery. The monks there lived modestly, dedicated to understanding and nurturing the forest ecosystem. They planted trees, cared for wildlife, and learned to utilize the forest’s resources sustainably.
In 1951, Pope Pius XII officially recognized St. Giovanni Gualberto as the patron saint of foresters, forest guards, and all those connected to the forest. This recognition underscored the saint’s enduring influence on forest stewardship. In July 1987, St. John Paul II highlighted this legacy during a Mass in the Dolomites, praising the monks of the Vallombrosan Order for their pioneering work in forestry. He remarked, “By dedicating themselves to this work, the disciples of St. Giovanni Gualberto learned the laws governing the life and growth of the forest. At a time when there was still no standard for forestry, the monks of Vallombrosan Order, working patiently and persistently, found the right methods to multiply the forest wealth” (L’Osservatore Romano, 1987).
The Festival of the Forest: Celebrating Poland’s Commitment to Conservation Since 1933
The Festival of the Forest has been celebrated in Poland since the 1930s, with the first event held in 1933. This enduring tradition showcases the country’s commitment to forest conservation and the celebration of its natural heritage.