On Sunday, May 3, 2009, Polonia and friends gathered at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA, to commemorate the 218th Anniversary of Poland’s May 3, 1791 Constitution, internationally recognized as the second-oldest democratic constitution in world history. This was another opportunity to unite people of Polish heritage in the Southeastern Pennsylvania area, one of the many events held in America and throughout the world to commemorate this historic event in Poland’s history.
The community-wide commemoration, sponsored by the Polish American Congress, Eastern PA District, began with a Mass. After Mass and a luncheon, the Youth Program began in the Shrine Visitors Center where hundreds enjoyed performances by several area youth groups. Participants included Adam Mickiewicz Polish Language School, St. Adalbert Polish Language School, Sloneczniki Children’s Folk Dance Group, and the P.K.M Polish Folk Dancers.
During the Youth Program, PAC President, Michael Blichasz, presented awards to two Polish language students for their outstanding contribution to Polonia. The awards recipients were: Anthony Skorczynski from the Adam Mickiewicz Polish Language School and Karol Szymula from St. Adalbert Polish Language School.
At the program’s end, all of the dance groups joined together to dance the Polonaise as a tribute to Pope John Paul the Great who always encouraged youth participation.
Thank you to the dance group teachers, youth group members, parents, grandparents and all who attended the event at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa. Also a thank you to all sponsors and patrons who financially supported the program, another memorable event in the history of the Polish American community in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
View Photos from this event