Bless St. Mary’s Polish Parish

This prayer was read at a meeting of all parishioners on January 22, 2012.

God, our Heavenly Father, we pray for strength, for courage, for inspiration
We turn to you with all our hearts – asking for Divine consideration.
This beautiful, special parish – built with love, and sweat, and toil.
Is our home and refuge – our Polish parcel of heavenly soil.

A century ago, those hardy settlers gave everything for this place
They exhorted us to keep it and care for it – this spiritual space.
And this has been done by generations of determined people
Their legacy is everywhere – from the stained glass to the high steeple.

It’s the heritage building, yes, but it’s the language, the liturgy, the choir, too.
The service to the community combined with the sacraments make an impression on you.
Many remember a great meeting with your son, Karol Wojtyla, a native of the Polish land.
When the Pope saw the Polish Cape Bretoners he immediately extended his hand.

“Niech zyje Polonia, niech zyje Polska parafia w Sydney” were essentially the words he shared.
He instructed the parishioners to continue their work; he knew that they cared
We care very strongly – and so, despite our worry, our fear, and even our tears
We will work hard and pray – we will sustain this Polish parish for at least another 100 years.

“Maryjo Królowo Polski. Jestem przy Tobie, Pamiętam o Tobie, I czuwam na każdy czas!”