We went to Poland with a lot of recent Orchard Lake baggage including naysayers and some concern and apprehension of how we might be received. Would anyone be interested? Who would want to partner with The Polish Mission? Arriving at the beginning of strawberry season and stopping a several roadside stands to purchase the fresh berries, put in a better frame of mind. We left Poland as the cherries were coming into season which seemed to be a harbinger of success for The Polish Mission visit.
Now we know we presented Orchard Lake,The Polish Mission,Michigan Polonia,and ourselves to top government officials and explained the situation so well that we can say that each host greeted us as a fresh and enthusiastic new voice of Polonia. They said they have been waiting for a team with creativity,honesty,and a strong program. We pray that Fr. Dąbrowski is be proud of our efforts to bring his beliefs of Polish heritage, American citizenship, and faith into the 21st century.
As we met with a broad spectrum of leaders: Poland’s First Lady, university professors, ministers of culture and foreign affairs, church leaders, national museums directors, villagers, families and friends, we were treated with professionalism and respect. Each official indicated a place where they can fit into our program. As we prepare for 100th year of the campus and 125 years of the seminary we take Fr. Dąbrowski’s vision and these connections to advance his focus of Polish, American and Catholic culture. The ministers thanked Chancellor Whalen for sending a well prepared and professional team.
The meetings would not have happened without private advocates in the church, communities, and government. Ceil Wendt Jensen and Marcin Chumiecki’s months of preparation and grant writing resulted in this favorable reception and support for The Polish Mission’s programs. These partnerships will allow them to bring a new level of content and professionalism to The Polish Mission.
The team would like to thank the Executive Committee of Msgr. Charles Kosanke,Rev. James K. Mazurek, James Glowacki, and Chancellor Rev. Timothy F. Whalen for their support. It was encouraging to meet with Karen Majewski’s academic circle in Poland as they expressed their admiration for her scholastic work in the past and look forward to working with her in her new capacity as The Polish Mission's Archivist. Fr. Stanislaw Flis,the Liturgical Center director, is already taking an advanced program in Poland to expand his work. The Polish Mission is a team, composed of Karen Majewski, Cecile Wendt Jensen and Fr. Flis, under the management of Marcin Chumiecki who is guiding The Polish Mission in the 21st century. Marcin was proud to use his Polish advocates to promote such a professional team of dedicated people.
