Rzeszow: Pope Leo XIV has extended his blessings and prayers to the thousands of faithful who gathered in the Polish city of Rzeszów for the 24th edition of the “One Heart One Spirit” Concert, one of the country’s largest Catholic evangelization events held annually on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.
More than 20,000 people took part in this year’s celebration on June 4, joining together for prayer, worship, music, and a public expression of faith. Over the years, the event has become a major spiritual gathering that attracts Catholics from across Poland and increasingly from other countries as well.
The Pope’s message was delivered through Archbishop Paolo Rudelli of the Secretariat of State in a letter addressed to Bishop Jan Wątroba of Rzeszów. In the message, Pope Leo expressed his paternal closeness and spiritual support to all those involved in organizing and participating in the event, including people who followed the celebration online.
The Holy Father assured participants of his prayers and encouraged them to continue drawing strength from the Eucharist, which stands at the heart of the Corpus Christi celebration. He noted that prayer, Eucharistic processions, music, and song help believers recognize the great gift of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.
Pope Leo reminded the faithful that the Eucharist is a precious treasure entrusted to the Church. He encouraged Catholics to deepen their relationship with Jesus through regular participation in Holy Mass and moments of Eucharistic adoration.
His message echoed themes he had shared during the Jubilee of Youth gathering at Tor Vergata, where he invited young people to strengthen their faith through the sacraments and personal encounters with Christ in prayer and worship.
The Pope also imparted his Apostolic Blessing to all those united in prayer during the concert. He expressed the hope that participants would become “one heart” and, guided by the Holy Spirit, continue to praise God not only through music but also through their daily lives and actions.
In a special gesture, Pope Leo entrusted the faithful to the intercession of saints and blesseds known for their devotion to the Eucharist. Among those mentioned were Blessed Carlo Acutis, who inspired many young Catholics through his witness of faith and love for the Eucharist, Saint Józef Sebastian Pelczar, and Blessed Karolina Kózkówna.
The “One Heart One Spirit” Concert has become a landmark event in Poland’s religious and cultural life since its beginning more than two decades ago. What started as a local initiative has grown into a nationwide gathering that combines prayer, music, and evangelisation on one of the most important feast days in the Catholic calendar.
Each year, the event brings together Christian musicians, clergy, families, and young people in an atmosphere of unity and celebration. Through songs of worship and communal prayer, participants publicly witness their faith while reflecting on the significance of the Eucharist.
This year’s gathering once again highlighted the strong place of faith in Polish society and demonstrated how music can serve as a powerful tool for evangelisation. With the Pope’s blessing and encouragement, organisers and participants concluded the event with renewed commitment to living their faith and sharing the message of Christ with others.
As thousands joined their voices in prayer and song, the concert continued its mission of fostering unity, spiritual renewal, and devotion to the Eucharist, remaining a powerful symbol of faith for Catholics in Poland and beyond.