Krakow - Day 1

Today was another fascinating and inspiring day.  We started at the salt mines (Wieliczka) where Saint John Paul II worked when he was a young man during the war.  This was an amazing place.  We went nearly 400 feet below ground.  The salt mines are not in use for salt anymore, just tourism.  We had a history of the mines, as well as saw things like the Cathedral – an area of the mine, literally carved out for Mass.  Beautiful!  (Dad actually has all these pictures.  You had to pay 10 zloty to take photos, so I put my camera away and let Dad take the pictures!)

 We then went to the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy.  This is where St. Faustina lived and died in the early part of the 20^th century.  This shrine has multiple functions – there are still many nuns who live here, there is a “hotel” for pilgrims, a large shrine and still the original chapel with the painting of the Divine Mercy. and her tomb.  I had read about Sr. Faustina and the Divine Mercy prayers – but had not participated in the Divine Mercy.  We said this prayer today at 3pm, in the chapel with the painting with pilgrims from all over the world.  We said it in many languages and it was beautiful.

Dad & Fr. Joe outside the basilica

Pictures were not really allowed in the various chapels, so there are not many to share.



Part of the grounds

Incidentally, you can see the Saint John Paul II basilica from here.  It is a 20-minute walk.  Both of these shrines are built very close to another place JPII worked pre-WWII. 

We had a private mass here, but my favorite part was our tour and witness from Sr. Mary Villaney.  She took us on a short tour, but then sang and spoke with us.  It is hard to put into words what she did for me, and for all the pilgrims, now reflecting late at night.  Her witness of love for Christ and us was very powerful. Sr. Mary also took time to really discuss the Divine Mercy painting.  She gave insight and hope to the trials of our daily life, in turning to Jesus.  She was a great encouragement to all.  Please ask me about it sometime, I would love to share.  For now, I will leave you with the famous words….

Jezu, ufam tobie

Jesus, I trust in You