By Catholic Apologist and Founder of Footprints of God, Steve Ray
Besides reservations to celebrate the Divine Mercy Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday in Poland with the Sisters of Maria Faustina — more on that later —
Then and Now
Janet and I drove through Poland in 1985 when it was still under Soviet Communism. We smuggled Bibles, money and medicine to the Christians behind the Iron Curtain. Driving through the infamous Checkpoint Charlie into East Germany was a bit hair-raising. Snarling German shepherds, electric fences, machine guns and rude soldiers.
While crossing between East Germany into Poland we held our breath. The car in front of us was dismantled. Dashboard, seats, and carpet was pulled from the car, looking for contraband. After an hour of watching this with a car in front of us, God gave us favor, and they waved us through. Everything went well but the oppression and the darkness and the poverty was stunning.
Now we lead pilgrimages through Poland and what was once dark is now light and colorful. Oppression is now freedom — poverty has turned to abundance. Amazing what freedom does! Those who were oppressed and withdrawn are now smiling and bright-eyed—the Catholic Church that was tightly controlled is now in full bloom.
Country of Modern Day Saints
Poland is the country of modern day saints. The pressure of the Nazis and the Communists forged magnificent Saints and we walk in their footprints, telling their stories in their country.
We all know the story of Pope St. John Paul II and his heroic life and how he brought the Soviet empire to its knees. We follow John Paul II from his birth to his death. After a pilgrimage to Poland you’ll feel very close to this saint.
The popularity of the Divine Mercy has swept the world and we will visit the convent of St. Maria Faustina to pray the Divine Mercy ON DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY in front of her relics in the church at her convent. One of her Sisters will address our group.
One of the most sobering moments of a pilgrimage to Poland is a visit to Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Al Kresta said it was a most powerful experience.
Here we’ll see the cell where St. Maximilian Kolby gave his life in exchange for a family man. Standing in the courtyard where the prisoners stood that day is very emotional. We will also discuss St. Edith Stein, the Jewish convert and Carmelite nun who died in these camps and Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko.
The hotels, food, Catholic guides, buses and talks along the way only contribute to the glory of visiting this amazing Catholic country.
To see our interactive map, the itinerary and brochure, visit our website HERE.
To see my personal invitation to Poland, click HERE.