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COHOES

Polish Catholics reconnect with motherland 

When the students at the Polish language school at St. Michael's Church in Cohoes were celebrating a graduation party last year, Sandra Trzcinski's mother made a suggestion.

"Sandy's mom thought it would be a good idea to go to Poland to see her ancestors," explained Kazia Lopatwiuk, who immediately began organizing the trip for the parish, which has a sizeable portion of Polish-American members. 

As a result, a group of adult classmates took a 12-day trip during which they traveled across Poland to see historic and religious landmarks and dive deeper into Polish culture. It was an event that sparked the interest of all generations: The group of 10 ranged in age from 28 to 86.

"There was such an age difference," said Judith Gatzimullin. "It was incredible and would be nearly impossible to ever mesh that way again."

Throughout the tour, they joined with other groups from all over the world. As enticing as the experience in Poland was for them, meeting people from throughout the United States, Canada, England and even Australia added even more enjoyment.

"Some people might say you lose out on a big tour," said Sandra Trzcinski, "but the opportunity for meeting people was really great."

Deep Poland 
During the trip, the group made its way around the country visiting areas such as Krakow, Warsaw, Auschwitz, and Wadowice, where Pope John Paul II was born.

Approximately 95 percent of citizens in Poland are Catholic. However, before visiting the country, the group didn't know that Poles were so devoted to the former pope and Catholicism, as well.

"I didn't expect to have such a religious experience, but then I got there and it really was," said Ms. Trzcinski.

The group traipsed to numerous churches, many with extensive Mass schedules, and saw numerous monuments and dedications to Pope John Paul II. 

"I was so impressed with the churches," said Vicky Kardas. "They're beautiful. I thought they were very compatible with the churches in Italy, and having so many Catholics and knowing that those churches are being used is amazing."

The experience made the group appreciate their faith all the more. They also spotted some differences from the Catholic Church in the United States.

"We don't come together like they do because we have so many different nationalities. In Poland, they're all one nationality, but here there are so many different cultures and beliefs," said Ms. Gatzimullin. 

Added Ms. Trzcinski: "I think we lack a little bit of that devotion."

Past recall
The history of the country fascinated the group, especially contrasted with their scant knowledge of Poland's experience during World War II, aside from the Holocaust.

"We're all taught American history, not Polish history," said Ms. Trzcinski. "I found it very moving to learn about the Polish history before the war, through the war and into today. I don't think you could experience that in any books today."

"Things happened on Poland soil, not just the Holocaust," added Ms. Lopatwiuk. "It just doesn't get that much focus.

The trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the group, and they hope it brings more to their future language classes. "Going to Poland and really dipping into the culture is really going to entice the class," said Ms. Kardas.

The travelers said the journey would deepen the Polish legacy back at St. Michael's.

"Poland has more of a traditional pride," said Ms. Lopatwiuk. "And that history, to us, is very important and we need to bring it back here and keep it alive."

(09/10/09) [[In-content Ad]]

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