Poland: In a powerful celebration of faith, hope, and human potential, over 2,000 scholarship recipients, alumni, and supporters of the Work of the New Millennium Foundation gathered at the Marian Sanctuary of Jasna Góra on Saturday to commemorate the organization’s 25th anniversary. Established by the Polish Bishops’ Conference in 2000, the Foundation has become one of the Catholic Church’s most impactful social missions in Poland supporting nearly 10,000 young people through education, community, and spiritual growth.
At the center of the Jubilee observances was a solemn Mass presided over by Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi, Apostolic Nuncio to Poland. Preaching to a sea of young faces and devoted benefactors, the Archbishop called for a renewal of gratitude and generosity in the modern world.
He urged attendees, especially scholarship students, to resist the tide of individualism and relativism by fostering a “culture of life” inspired by the teachings of St. John Paul II. Quoting the sainted pope, he reminded them, “Man cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of self.”
After the Eucharistic celebration, a group of scholarship holders solemnly entrusted the Foundation’s mission and community to the Blessed Virgin Mary. With confident voices, they declared:
“We commit ourselves to building a civilization of love by walking the unique path of our personal vocations.”
While financial assistance remains at the Foundation’s core, its purpose stretches far deeper. “We were never just about scholarships,” explained Fr. Dariusz Kowalczyk, chairman of the Foundation’s board. “It’s about forming a generation of committed, spiritually grounded leaders.”
Former scholarship recipient Marta Dywicka, now a jazz vocalist with a degree from Gdańsk, reflected on how the Foundation shaped her not only as an artist but as a person of faith and purpose. “It wasn’t just financial help it was a turning point in every part of my life,” she shared.
The day began with a pilgrimage to Jasna Góra and a prayerful rosary procession. After the liturgical celebrations, the community gathered for a joyful picnic in the lush gardens of the Częstochowa Diocesan Seminary. With laughter, shared memories, and even a grand jubilee cake, the air was thick with gratitude and unity.
In the evening, the Foundation’s choir and orchestra filled the monastery with music, presenting a moving oratorio performance. The day concluded with the Jasna Góra Appeal, echoing with voices lifted in prayer and thanksgiving.
Founded as a response to St. John Paul II’s plea for solidarity with underprivileged youth in small towns and rural areas, the Work of the New Millennium has grown into what many call a “living memorial” of the late pontiff’s vision. It supports students from grade seven through university, offering not just scholarships, but mentorship, community-building, and spiritual formation.
In recent years, the Foundation has also extended its mission to include support for young Ukrainian refugees, further deepening its commitment to building bridges of compassion.
As it steps into its next chapter, the Work of the New Millennium Foundation continues to echo the spirit of its namesake era raising up generations of young people not only through education, but through faith, dignity, and purpose.