Today marks the 24th Papal Day, themed “St. John Paul II: The Gospel of Aging and Suffering.” The event, organized by the Foundation “Work of the New Millennium,” aims to highlight the value of suffering and old age, a message often neglected in modern society. Each year, over 2,000 talented but underprivileged young people benefit from scholarships provided by the foundation.
Cultural and Spiritual Events
Numerous spiritual and cultural events accompany the celebration, including Masses held in major Polish cities. Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz, head of the Foundation’s Council, emphasized the importance of reflecting on life’s deeper questions of suffering, aging, and mortality. Public collections for scholarships are organized in churches and public spaces, with contributions supporting students from primary school through university.
The foundation, established in 2000 by the Polish Episcopal Conference, was inspired by St. John Paul II’s 1999 pilgrimage to Poland. Initially, it helped 500 students, and now supports over 2,000 annually. Donations are accepted throughout the year to ensure ongoing assistance for these students.
On Papal Day, foundation scholarship recipients visit churches across the country to express their gratitude and faith, sharing how the scholarships have transformed their lives and educational opportunities.