MASS CONCLUDES THE 45TH PNA
NATIONAL CONVENTION

Jersey City, New Jersey - Although the 45th PNA National Convention was closed on Saturday afternoon, a Concelebrated Holy Mass was held on Sunday Morning outside at the Katyn Forest Massacre Memorial Monument and Siberian Memorial, which stands on Montgomery Street  and Exchange Plaza about 100 feet away from the Hyatt Jersey City Hotel. The monument honors the victims of the Katyn Massacre and those who lost their lives in Siberia.

The monument depicts a soldier made in bronze with a bayoneted rifle sprung from his back, which stands atop of a granite base which hold soil from where the Massacre occurred at Katyn in Soviet Russia. The monument was designed by Mr. Andrzej Pitynski.

Prior to the Mass, a wreath laying ceremony took place at the Katyn Memorial. President Frank Spula spoke as Vice President Paul Odrobina, National Secretary Z. John Ordon and newly elected National Treasurer Marian Grabowski placed wreaths by the statue. A third wreath was placed by  Mr. Ludwik Wnekowicz, President of the New Jersey Polish American Congress. President Spula then asked Ms. Therese Winters to lead a procession down the street to a Memorial for the victims of the 9/11 World Trade Center Terrorist Attack. This memorial are three actual twisted beams taken from the World Trade Center Buildings. Ms. Winters sister was one of the many victims that perished in the attack. A patriotic wreath of red, white and blue was placed in front. Priests that were Concelebrating the Mass blessed the memorial and prayers were recited.

The congregation was taken back to Katyn Memorial and the Mass began. The Presentation of color were led by the Polish Army Veterans Post 99, also participating were Ligia Morska, Pulaski Cadets and the Color Corp. Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.

The Principle Celebrant of the Mass was Ks. Biskup Dr. Tadeusz Bronakowski, of the Diocese of Lomza Poland. Concelebrating at the Mass included; Rev. Andrzej Ostaszewski, Very Rev. Canon Rudolf Zubik, Rev. Michael E. Gubernat, Rev. Jacek Marchewka, Rev. Gerard J. Sudol and Rev. Gregory Podsiadlo SDS.

The reading were read by Mr. Jan Czerniawski, President of Council 74 in Bayonne, New Jersey and Commissioner Elect of District 5, Stanley Dunaj. The Music Ministry was provided by the Aria Chorus #303 of the Polish Singers of America, Music Director Alicja Rusewicz, Soloist, Margorzata Stanco-McGrath and the organist Bogna Pekala-McGarrigle.

A light rain shower came during the Gospel reading, but it still was a beautiful morning to have a blessed and safe send off to the delegation and guest as they returned home.

To View Full Version of Photo - Click on Thumbnail Below