Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, Metropolitan Archbishop of Poznań and President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, on April 17, 2019, announced that the faithful in Poland will be asked to contribute to the reconstruction of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. Following is the archbishop’s statement:
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People all over the world were watching with fear a disturbing image of the burning Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
The destiny of the heart of Paris, the heart of France and the heart of Europe was at stake for several hours. The Notre-Dame Cathedral, seriously damaged but saved, has united in pain and sorrow millions of people around the world. Today, the initiative of supporting the reconstruction of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, understood not only as a symbol of an invaluable cultural heritage of Europe but also as a symbol of Christian values, unites also us, Poles.
Therefore I appeal first to all Poles for material help in the reconstruction of the Cathedral, which we will transfer through SMS action and voluntary payments to Caritas Polska account, starting on Holy Wednesday.
I also appeal to all the baptized, especially to those who in recent years have forgotten about their Christian vocation, so that they rediscover Christ and become His courageous witnesses.
In the paschal time of passing with Christ from sorrow to joy, from despair to hope, from death to life, I impart my heartfelt blessing.
