St. Valentine's PNCC

On May 3rd Poland, and members of Polonia worldwide celebrate Polish Constitution Day. This day is also a day of celebration for all who believe in the principals of democracy, a pluralistic society, and the heritage and life of our democratic Church.

The annual commemoration of Polish Constitution Day commemorates the spiritual and moral renovation of the Polish nation, after a period of stagnation caused by foreign influences under the Saxon kings. This day has become a proud and integral part of the civic and patriotic activities for Poles and those of Polish descent in many cities throughout the world.

To the Poles and their descendants May 3rd is a national holiday for it bestows upon the Pole a priceless heritage of humanitarianism, tolerance and a democratic precept conceived at a time when most of Europe lived under the existence of unconditional power and tyranny exemplified by Prussia and Russia.

Poland’s parliamentary system actually began at the turn of the 15th century, but a series of defensive wars, internal stresses, outside influences, widespread permissiveness and excessive concern for the rights of dissent brought Poland to the brink of disaster and anarchy in the 18th Century. Urgently needed reforms became imperative.

The May 3rd, 1791 Constitution was the first liberal constitution in Europe and second in the world, after the Constitution of the United States.

Following the American pattern it established three independent branches of government – executive, legislative and judiciary. Throughout the constitution runs philosophy of humanitarianism and tolerance, such as perfect and entire liberty to all people, rule by majority, secret ballot at all elections, religious freedom and liberty.

The constitution curtailed the executive power of the King and State Council. It forbade them to contract public debts, to declare war, to conclude definitely any treaty, or any diplomatic act. It only allowed the Executive Branch to carry on negotiations with foreign courts, always with reference to the Diet (Parliament).

In terms of democratic precepts, the May 3rd Constitution is a landmark event in the history of Central and Eastern Europe.

The Polish Constitution was deemed too dangerous by the tyranny of absolutism still rampant in Europe. Thus Russia, Prussia and Austria decided to wipe out “the Polish cancer of freedom” from the face of the earth. In 1795 partitioned Poland ceased to exist as a state and in terms of national life, she lost the entire 19th Century, being reborn in 1918 at the conclusion of World War I.

You can read more at Wikipedia or the Polish American Cultural Center.

Dear friends,

We will hold a candle light service on Sunday, December 16th at 4 PM. After the service we will have a traditional Polish Wigilia Dinner. All are welcome, and please come with family and friends. Santa is expected too! A $10 donation is suggested.

Mark your Calendar for Saturday, October 27th. Since everyone had a great time at Applebee’s Flapjack Breakfast last year in October, you’re invited to another Applebee’s Flapjack Breakfast, sponsored by the Polish American Cultural Center Museum volunteers. The event will be held from 8 A.M. to 10 A.M. at the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 2535-37 Castor Avenue, in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia.

Tickets are only $5 per person and you can enjoy an unlimited amount of pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee or tea. What a great bargain – and also a great way to both celebrate October as Polish American Heritage Month while supporting the Polish American Cultural Center Museum. Tickets are available at the Museum Gift Shop. For more information, call Theresa Romanowski at 215-922-1700.

Dear Parishoners and Friends,

May Jesus Christ Be Praised…both now and forever!
Niech będzie pochwalony Jezus Chrystus….na wieki wieków…Amen.

This message comes to you after a very successful Harvest Festival Celebration (Dożynki), which was held Sunday, September 30th at our parish’s Pulaski Park which is found directly adjacent to our parish cemetery grounds. The park and cemetery as well has been brought back into excellent condition thanks to the efforts of the men of the parish. About 65 people attended the event which drew people from as far away as Washington D.C. Holy Mass at the cemetery altar preceded a Polish dinner. A procession with symbolic harvest produce then took place to the picnic area thus officially opening the dinner. A wonderful time was had by all and we look forward to next year’s celebration.

As the days of October pass and the days grow shorter and the colors of autumn take hold, our thoughts turn to the Commemoration of All Souls and to those who have preceded us in holy death. It is these souls whose memory we wish to remember during the month of November according to age old Catholic custom…a custom known as “wypominki.”

If you would like the souls of loved ones to be remembered during the Commemoration of All Souls and for the entire month of November, please send the names of these loved ones along with your offering to the parish. Aside from remembrance at the Holy Masses of November, these special intentions will be remembered at the annual procession and blessing of the cemetery to be held on November 11th at 2 P.M.

Of course the most precious gift to our faith community is you and your attendance at Holy Mass and planned events. But in the event you are unable to attend the Masses and events mentioned above, we ask that you remember the parish in your prayers and also with the financial support in the form of dues and contributions which are so necessary for the maintenance of our parish life.

God’s richest blessings on you all! Bóg zapłać!

Sincerely yours in Chirst,

Fr. Gregory Mikula
Fr. Andrew Bilinski
St. Valentine’s P.N.C.C. Parish Committee

The Polish American Cultural Center Museum will be hosting a performance of the internationally known Song & Dance Ensemble of Poland, Śląsk on Thursday, November 1st at 7:30 P.M. More information and ticket order forms are available at the Polish American Cultural Center website.

The Rt. Rev. Bernard Nowicki, Bishop Ordinary of the Central Diocese of the PNCC leads the Bayonne contingent in the 2012 Pułaski Day Parade in New York City.

More photos ar Smilebox.

Father Major Sławomir Andrew Biliński of the Polish National Catholic Church served as 2011 Pulaski Day Parade Military Marshal.

Polish-born priest and doctor, Father Major Slawomir Andrew Bilinski has a distinguished career of service in military and civilian settings. After arriving in the U.S. as a priest in the Polish National Catholic Church, he was assigned to Holy Mother of Sorrows PNC Church in Dupont, PA, where he served as pastor until 2000. After earning a B.S. in pre-medical studies at Wilkes University, Father Bilinski entered Thomas Jefferson University Medical College in Philadelphia and joined the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant. Upon completion of his medical degree in 2004, he was promoted to Captain and served his internship in Emergency Medicine at Hahnemann University Hospital and residency training at the Underwood Memorial Hospital of Thomas Jefferson University. At that time, Father Bilinski also assisted at St. Valentine’s Church in Philadelphia.

In 2007, Captain Bilinski was transferred to Brooke Army Hospital and Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX, where he served as medical doctor in the Emergency Room, Troop Clinic, and wounded soldiers unit. He was promoted to the rank of Major in October, 2010.

Major Bilinski now serves a triple vocation as U.S. Army officer, priest and physician by caring for our soldiers and their families at Fort Lee, Virginia. When he visits his hometown of Philadelphia, he assists with Father Krzysztof Mendelewski at St. Valentine’s Church on Margaret Street, in the Frankford section of Philadelphia.

Thanks to all those who marched in Pulaski Parade Kathy, Helen, Michael Hull, Robert, Patricia, Andrew Haeberle, Barbara Zazula, Susan Lerke, Anna Mendelewski, Ewelina Zawieja, Adam Mendelewski, Michael Anthony, Andy Stachowicz, Ewelina Filyushchenko, Wlodek Kwiatkowski, Iza Topa with children; Dominick & Agatka, and their aunt Ania and uncle Jacek. Thanks to Adam and Aneta Zazula for providing lunch after the Parade, and to Fran Bonikowski for a donation for the bus.