Pierogi to Prayer

For centuries, the Polish-LithuanianCommonwealth was an imposing state dominating Central and Eastern Europe. This nation, made possible by a 14th century royal marriage, joined together two ethnicities who share a common history, yet who are also ethnically distinct. This relationship can sometimes prove cumbersome to our modern understanding of nationality and ethnicity.  Today we welcome Tom Sadauskus, a Lithuanian genealogist to help shed light on this relationship. His experience and ethnic background as a Lithuanian-America gives us a great perspective. You can reach out to him at [email protected] for any researchinquiries.   Chopin and Bach Pieces Courtesy ofclassicals.deBach - Violin Concerto No. 2 in E Major- BWV 1042Chopin- Grande Valse Brillante; Nocturne Opus37 no. 1 in G minor; Etude Op. 25 no. 1 in A flat major; Nocturne 62 No. 2 in Emajor Recorded, produced, and released to thepublic by: The Musopen Kickstarter Project - Set Chopin Free https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/Musopen/set-chopin-freeCreativeCommons - Public Domain Mark 1.0 UniversalCC PDM 1.0 10282 cracow city place ambience -loop.WAV by Robinhood76 -- https://freesound.org/s/580352/ -- License:Attribution NonCommercial 4.0Accordion-music-reverb.wav by eyenorth --https://freesound.org/s/482212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Music from the middle ages 07 2013-08-10 Douce DameJolie.wav by Kyster -- https://freesound.org/s/197360/ -- License: Attribution4.0

St. Maximilian Kolbe has emerged as one of the mostwell-known Twentieth Century Saints to have emerged from the horrors of World War II in Poland. His story of self-sacrifice for a fellow prisoner in Auschwitz has made him a symbol of selfless martyrdom and Christian care for another. His work before his martyrdom can be seen as one of the original“influencing” movements through his use of radio. Walk with us this month as we reflect on the life and significance of this saint in our current age. Bells ringing St. Bonifatius Church Leipzig Germany byGaruda1982 -- https://freesound.org/s/740342/ -- License: Attribution 4.0hauntedsqueezebox.wav by LiloSound --https://freesound.org/s/507025/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0Traditional Japanese Koto - Suiryo-Bushi (Song ofSpeculation) by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/808615/ -- License:Attribution NonCommercial 4.0CD_PLENITUDE_004_EXP01.wav by kevp888 --https://freesound.org/s/622324/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0Lonesome Angel by SondreDrakensson --https://freesound.org/s/543623/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

This month we tackle the influencing craze as we sitdown with Krystian Nowak, a Polish Highlander living near Zakopane in the gorgeous mountain region of Poland. A native of Chicago with Polish ancestry, Krystian has taken to social media as an influencer to promote Highlander culture in his own unique way. Influencing has become an internet craze for bad or for worse, yet perhaps the true value of it has been understood in only a narrow way. We tackle all of these topics in our great conversation this month.Check out Krystian’s work on his social media pages. Facebook Instagram@krystiannowak_Music Courtesy of classicals.deGrande Valse Brillante; Nocturne Opus 37 no. 1in G minor; Nocturne Opus 9 no. 2 in E flat major; Cantabile B. 84 in E-flatmajor Recorded, produced, and released to thepublic by: The Musopen Kickstarter Project - Set Chopin Free https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/Musopen/set-chopin-freeCreativeCommons - Public Domain Mark 1.0 UniversalCC PDM 1.0

“Boys will be boys” as the old cliché goes. Yet such apithy saying to excuse the mischievous or rambunctious nature of children,masks the undeserved circumstances that children around the world findthemselves subject to that may produce such a behavior. Poverty, ignorance, prejudice,and socioeconomic factors can squash the potential of children before they evenget the chance. Our Polish Saint of the Month, Blessed Bronislaw Markiewicz,recognized these factors and sought to do his best to alleviate them. Borrowingfrom the experiences of his own youth, during which he experienced a brief lapsein faith, he devoted his life to the care of the spiritual and material needsof disadvantaged children. Hear his story and reflect on this mission in hislife and today’s world in this month’s reflection. Music and sound effects courtesy of freesounds.orgNocturne Op.48 no. 2 in F sharp minor. Recorded, produced, and released to thepublic by: The Musopen Kickstarter Project - Set Chopin Free https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/Musopen/set-chopin-free Creative Commons - Public Domain Mark 1.0Universal CC PDM 1.0Emotional Guitar by Migfus20 --https://freesound.org/s/559845/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Emotional Mysterious Music by Migfus20 --https://freesound.org/s/683270/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

March is traditionally a month that is associated withthe Irish celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day. This month we take a page out ofthese celebrations to discuss the lives of Count and Countness Markiewicz. Apair of revolutionary personalities who straddled the boundaries between Polandand Ireland but also between counterculture and rebellion. Our guest, Dr.Lauren Arrington, author and professor of English at the University of SouthFlorida, has written a book on the pair entitled: “Revolutionary Lives.” As youwill soon hear, we were fortunate that she was able to sit down with us andshare her knowledge of them as well as the place they fit into Polish and IrishHistory. You can find Dr. Arrington’s biography here: https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/departments/english/people/bios/lauren-arrington.aspxMusic courtesyof freesounds.org and classicals.deGrandeValse Brillante Opus 18; Handel, George Frideric - Sarabande - Suite No. 4 in Dminor - HWV 437 - Arranged for Strings; Recorded,produced, and released to the public by: The Musopen Kickstarter Project CreativeCommons - Public Domain Mark 1.0 UniversalCC PDM 1.0 celtic tinwhistle (pennywhistle) in d.mp3 by luis_audp -- https://freesound.org/s/250972/-- License: Attribution 3.0 Accordion-music-reverb.wav by eyenorth --https://freesound.org/s/482212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

Regularlisteners to our Polish Saint of the Month reflection, are used to a particularformat. However, today we are going to do something a bit different. Since wehave already heard a lot about the life of Father Jerzy Popieluszko from ourinterview with Judith Kelly in our regular episode this month, we’re going tolisten to his own words from one of his homilies. The English Translation readwill be transposed overtop of a recording of Jerzy’s own delivery of thissermon as broadcasted originally in 1983. We invite you to listen to his wordsand reflect on their meaning both to the past listeners of this homily, butalso with your current ears to meditate on how these words may be speaking tous today. Prayer/Modlitwa O Lord, who in your infinite goodness,bestowed upon blessed Jerzy Popieluszko the grace of faith in priestly vocationuntil his martyred death, we beseech you in the words of John II: “May goodarise from this death like the Resurrection from the Cross”.Let ithappen, that this unshaken protector of the laws of God and man, given to ourFatherland and the world as a sign of victory of love over hatred, be a modelfor our life. Bestow upon me, through the intercession of Blessed Jerzy, thisfavor for which I profoundly petition You.May the sacrifice of life and hisintercession with you be the cause for growth of Christian faith, unity andpeace on earth. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.Musiccourtesy of freesounds.org unless otherwise noted.HopefulCinematic Emotional Orchestra Background Music by EvanBoyerman --https://freesound.org/s/753968/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Beginning of Mass with organ and choir.wav by dibko --https://freesound.org/s/635083/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Emotional Guitar by Migfus20 --https://freesound.org/s/559845/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Recording of Father JerzyPopieluszko’s Homily originally broadcast on February 27th, 1983. Obtainedfrom:  https://www.radiomaryja.pl/multimedia/homilia-wygloszona-przez-ks-jerzego-popieluszke-w-czasie-mszy-sw-za-ojczyzne-27-lutego-1983-r/https://chomikuj.pl/Ceslaus/*c5*9awi*c4*99ci+i+B*c5*82ogos*c5*82awieni/Jerzy+Popie*c5*82uszko/Homilie

In October of 1984 at the young age of 37, Father JerzyPopieluszko, the chaplain of the Solidarity Trade Union was murdered at thehands of agents of the Polish Communist secret police. His martyrdom galvanizedthe nation and greatly influenced the events which led to the fall of Communismin Poland. In successive years, Father Jerzy’s message of non-violence and hislegacy of resistance to oppression have inspired countless activists around theworld. One of these activists is Judith Kelly, whose personal journey with Jerzyis a remarkable tale of resilience, hope, and inspiration. We were privilegedto be able to sit down with Judith who shared her insights on Jerzy, as well ashow he can truly be considered a saint that we need today both in Poland andthe United States. Check out Judith’s website: justcallmejerzy.com Music courtesy of freesounds.org and classicals.deGrandeValse Brillante Opus 18; Chopin Nocture No.2 in E Flat major; Recorded,produced, and released to the public by: The Musopen Kickstarter Project - SetChopin Free https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/Musopen/set-chopin-freeCreativeCommons - Public Domain Mark 1.0 UniversalCC PDM 1.0 Beginningof Mass with organ and choir.wav by dibko -- https://freesound.org/s/635083/ --License: Attribution 4.0 221029_2225_FR_MaleChoir.wavby kevp888 -- https://freesound.org/s/657761/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 SadEmotional - bpm 86 loop by DenKyschuk -- https://freesound.org/s/719045/ --License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Emotional Guitar byMigfus20 -- https://freesound.org/s/559845/ -- License: Attribution 4.0HopefulCinematic Emotional Orchestra Background Music by EvanBoyerman --https://freesound.org/s/753968/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Have youever considered what it would be like to put your life on the line for yourfaith? Our Polish Saint of the Month is Saint Melchior Grodziecki. A Polish Jesuitwho lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Listento his story of faith and reflect on this martyr of the Thirty Year’s War withus today.Music andSound Effects courtesy of freemusic.org220118_1781-2_FR_ChurchOrgan.wavby kevp888 -- https://freesound.org/s/615216/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Vanhanajan sota, taistelu, miekkailu / Ancient, old time battle, combat, horsessnorting and galloping, men shouting and barking, fencing, swords clanging, mixby YleArkisto -- https://freesound.org/s/258207/ -- License: Attribution 4.0romanticintro 0O_38x2 by Setuniman -- https://freesound.org/s/157008/ -- License:Attribution NonCommercial 4.0CD_PLENITUDE_006_EXP01.wavby kevp888 -- https://freesound.org/s/623034/ -- License: AttributionNonCommercial 4.0LonesomeAngel by SondreDrakensson -- https://freesound.org/s/543623/ -- License:Attribution 4.0

In 1952, a dramatic headline broke the news of a tragic murder in a London Hotel. The victim was Krystyna Skarbek, aka Christine Granville, a wartime spy who’s remarkable achievements make her the stuff of legend. With exploits that would outdo any James Bond novel, Christine’s story was largely told through a particular lens that didn’t necessarily do her justice. That changed in 2012 with the publication of the book: “The Spy who Loved: the lives and loves ofChristine Granville” by Clare Mulley. Fresh from a tour publicizing her new book, Ms. Mulley sat down with the podcast to discuss the remarkable story of Christine Granville with us. Check out Clare Mulley’s work at her webpage: https://claremulley.com/Musiccourtesy of freesounds.org and classicals.deGrande Valse Brillante Opus 18; ChopinNocture No.2 in E Flat major; Recorded, produced, andreleased to the public by: The Musopen Kickstarter Project - Set Chopin Free https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/Musopen/set-chopin-freeCreative Commons -Public Domain Mark 1.0 UniversalCCPDM 1.0 Downford Abbey: Episode 2 (Lady Arabella's HiddenDesires) by Tomentum+ -- https://freesound.org/s/704825/ -- License:Attribution NonCommercial 4.0HopefulCinematic Emotional Orchestra Background Music by EvanBoyerman --https://freesound.org/s/753968/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Our Polish Saint of the Month is Blessed Marcelina Darowska, a remarkable woman who overcame personal and family struggles to help make a difference in her embattled homeland. Sounds and Music courtesy of freesound.orgSatie -Gymnopedie No.1 by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/746982/ -- License:Attribution NonCommercial 4.0LonesomeAngel by SondreDrakensson -- https://freesound.org/s/543623/ -- License:Attribution 4.0ChopinPiece: Largo B. 109 in E Flat Major Recorded,produced, and released to the public by: The Musopen Kickstarter Project - SetChopin Free https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/Musopen/set-chopin-freeCreative Commons - Public Domain Mark 1.0 UniversalCC PDM 1.0 

For many of us, the element that unites us throughgood times and bad is the cuisine of our culture. Indeed, the very title of our program “pierogi to prayer” contains a reference to the most distinctive food in Polish culture. One of the greatest expressions of this also comes out during the Christmas Season when Poles around the world gather for a myriad of Polish traditions and food. It is in that spirit that we eagerly welcome our guest today. Karolina Klesta is the founder of the Polish internet sensation Polish Foodies. https://polishfoodies.com/ Through heronline community and social media presence, Karolina has developed thousands of followers, eager to learn about Polish food and culture. We were so fortunate to have her sit down with us to talk about what makes Polish food so special aswell as many of her favorite recipes. Yet like everything with Polish culture, our conversation also touched on many other topics. Family, faith, history, and the generational trauma that comes with being a Pole are a part of thatheritage as much as the Wigilia meal. No doubt the conversation will leave you with plenty to chew on metaphorically… but also, I would advise you not tolisten on an empty stomach, as the subject matter will no doubt have you running to your kuchnia (meaning kitchen) at your first opportunity or to your local Polish deli.Chopin pieces courtesy of: https://www.classicals.de/Grande Valse Brillante Opus 18Christmas choir music courtesy of St. Lucia’s Choir at St. Joseph’s Church,used with permission.Other sound effects courtesy of freesounds.orgAccordion-music-reverb.wav by eyenorth --https://freesound.org/s/482212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

Our Polish Saint of the Month is St. Stanislaus Kostka. Listen to his story and reflect on a patron saint for troubled families everywhere. Chopin piece courtesy of: https://www.classicals.de/ Nocturne Op. 9No 2 in E flat major Piano for Meditation by SergeQuadrado -- https://freesound.org/s/740607/ --License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Biographical Information https://www.jesuits.global/saint-blessed/saint-stanislaus-kostka/Reflection written by Michael Matulewicz

Each November, the Catholic faithful across Poland journey to the graves of their family, friends, and ancestors toremember them, usually with the placing of the Znicz, or lantern in a magical display of light that emanates across the countryside. This honoring and remembering of ancestors have ancient roots and helps to infer the discussionwe have today. Over the past few decades, the study of genealogy has been made more apparent by sites such as ancestry.com and television programs such as “Finding your Roots.” Old fashioned genealogical research has been going on even longer. On today’s episode we feature an interview with Polish genealogist Julie Szczepankiewicz who shares her expertise and knowledge as well as the satisfaction that comes with genealogy research. This is a great episode foranyone eager to learn about their family history as a beginner or expert. Check out Julie's blog https://fromshepherdsandshoemakers.com/ Music and sound effects courtesy offreesound.com unless noted below:10282 cracow city place ambience - loop.WAV by Robinhood76 --https://freesound.org/s/580352/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0221029_2225_FR_MaleChoir.wav by kevp888 -- https://freesound.org/s/657761/ --License: Attribution 4.0 221029_2224_FR_ChoirAndOrgan.wav by kevp888 -- https://freesound.org/s/657432/-- License: Attribution 4.0amazing grace - beatitudes chapel.wav by thatjeffcarter --https://freesound.org/s/221869/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Chopin pieces courtesyof: https://www.classicals.de/ Grande ValseBrillante Opus 18; Ballade no. 4; Largo B 109 in E Flat major; Recorded,produced, and released to the public by: The Musopen Kickstarter Project - SetChopin Free https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/Musopen/set-chopin-freeCreativeCommons - Public Domain Mark 1.0 UniversalCC PDM 1.0

As we close the last episode of our inaugural season,we welcome Temple University Music Professor, Dr. Michael Klein to talk about the great Polish born composer Fryderyk Chopin. The music of this particular composerhas captivate people the world over to convey the depths of emotion from film to theater. Join us this month as we waltz, polonaise, and mazurka our way through the complexities and beauty of the music of Chopin. Sound effects are courtesy of freesound.org and allChopin classical pieces are courtesy of www.classicals.de listed below in order of appearance. Recorded, produced, and released to the publicby: The Musopen Kickstarter Project - Set Chopin Free https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/Musopen/set-chopin-free CreativeCommons - Public Domain Mark 1.0 UniversalGrande Valse Brillante Opus 18; Mazurka Op. 7 no. 1 in B-flat major; Mazurka B.85 in A Flat Minor; Mazurka Op.7 No. 1

As we close the last episode of our inaugural season,we welcome Temple University Music Professor, Dr. Michael Klein to talk about the great Polish born composer Fryderyk Chopin. The music of this particular composer has captivate people the world over to convey the depths of emotion from film to theater. Join us this month as we waltz, polonaise, and mazurka our way through the complexities and beauty of the music of Chopin. Sound effects are courtesy of freesound.org and allChopin classical pieces are courtesy of www.classicals.de listed below in order of appearance. Recorded, produced, and released to the publicby: The Musopen Kickstarter Project - Set Chopin Free https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/Musopen/set-chopin-free CreativeCommons - Public Domain Mark 1.0 UniversalPart I: Grande Valse BrillanteOpus 18; Nocturne Op 9 no. 2 in E Flat Major; Ballade no. 4 , Op. 52; CantabileB 84 in B Flat Major; Albumleaf, B151

In September of 1939, World War II began on the verydoorstep of Poland. In this moving two-part episode, we share the painful stories of those in our parish family whose parents experienced firsthand the horrors of this war. Many immigrated to Camden under the Displaced PersonsProgram. These individuals, each of them haunted by what they had witnessed, attempted to rebuild their lives in peace and freedom. However, wounded by the long echoes of war, this was an often-elusive task, imprinting their struggleson the next generation. As we remember the beginning of World War II thismonth with the Invasion of Poland, we honor their stories with this month’s episode. Also, our Polish Saint of the Month: St. Teresa Benedict of the Cross/Edith SteinMusic: Courtesy of freesound.org & classicals.deAttribution NonCommerical 4.0 or Creative Commons 0Chopin - Grande Valse Brillante, Opus 18 byGregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/713354/ -- License: AttributionNonCommercial 4.0Sad Emotional Piano for Documentaries Films byUniversfield -- https://freesound.org/s/726893/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Hopeful Cinematic Emotional Orchestra Background Musicby EvanBoyerman -- https://freesound.org/s/753968/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Melancholic Piano and Violin by Nancy_Sinclair --https://freesound.org/s/749476/ -- License: Attribution 4.0121110_Gniezno_Nie_rzucim_ziemi.wav by Zbylut --https://freesound.org/s/169377/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0Accordion-music-reverb.wav by eyenorth --https://freesound.org/s/482212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Chopin Pieces by GregorQuendel --https://freesound.org/s/742857/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0

In September of 1939, World War II began on the verydoorstep of Poland. In this moving two-part episode, we share the painful stories of those in our parish family whose parents experienced firsthand the horrors of this war. Many immigrated to Camden under the Displaced PersonsProgram. These individuals, each of them haunted by what they had witnessed, attempted to rebuild their lives in peace and freedom. However, wounded by the long echoes of war, this was an often-elusive task, imprinting their struggleson the next generation. As we remember the beginning of World War II thismonth with the Invasion of Poland, we honor their stories with this month’s episode. Also, our Polish Saint of the Month: St. Teresa Benedict of the Cross/Edith SteinMusic: Courtesy of freesound.org & classicals.deAttribution NonCommerical 4.0 or Creative Commons 0Chopin - Grande Valse Brillante, Opus 18 byGregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/713354/ -- License: AttributionNonCommercial 4.0Sad Emotional Piano for Documentaries Films byUniversfield -- https://freesound.org/s/726893/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Hopeful Cinematic Emotional Orchestra Background Musicby EvanBoyerman -- https://freesound.org/s/753968/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Melancholic Piano and Violin by Nancy_Sinclair --https://freesound.org/s/749476/ -- License: Attribution 4.0121110_Gniezno_Nie_rzucim_ziemi.wav by Zbylut --https://freesound.org/s/169377/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0Accordion-music-reverb.wav by eyenorth --https://freesound.org/s/482212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Chopin Pieces by GregorQuendel --https://freesound.org/s/742857/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0

Each year, thousands of Poles walk in ceremonial pilgrimagefrom all over their country to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa at the monastery of Jasna Gora in Southeastern Poland. This the most public display of devotion to a religious icon which has held prime of place in Polish history and culture for centuries. Likewise, Poles immigrating to the United States have carried this image to every church and home in Polonia and established a mirror image of this practice in the National Shrine in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. While most Poles and Polish-Americans easily recognize these images and practices, the importance this icon plays in the lives of people beyond the Polish diaspora is one that may not be as well known. On this month’s episode, which coincides with the Feast Day of Our Lady of Czestochowa on August 26th, we sit down with two such individuals: Marianne Zayas and Father Stephen Robbins. Both are wonderful pillars of our community who shared with us their moving experiences with Our Lady of Czestochowa. Come and find us in Doylestown at the Polish AmericanFestival and Country Fair this upcoming Labor Day Weekend!Time is running out to register for With God in Camden!www.withgodincamden.info Music Sources:Chopin - Grande Valse Brillante, Opus 18 byGregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/713354/ -- License: AttributionNonCommercial 4.0231221_2608_FR_Organ_in_cathedral by kevp888 --https://freesound.org/s/718691/ -- License: Attribution 4.0“Jest zakatek na tej ziemi (Czarna Madonno)” Performed2011 at St. Joseph’s Church by St. Lucia’s Choir. Used with Permission

In the 1920s Poland was engaged in rebuildingitself as a nation on the world stage. The eyes of her leaders turned towards her merchant marine and the ships that would fly under the Polish flag. In this era the pride of any nation was most visible in its grand passenger liners suchas Britain’s Queen Mary, France’s Normandie, and America’s United States. The construction of two ships for Poland’s GAL shipping line meant that she was able to project strength and pride into the North Atlantic passenger trade. This peacetime rebuilding program would unfortunately run head first into the cataclysmic Second World War and the ensuing Cold War. This provided a historical stage for these ships and their crews to write themselves into the pages of maritime history. Tune in to hear their fascinating stories. Also, our Polish Saint of the Month: Blessed Hanna ChrzanowskaWorks Consulted:Peter Grajda’s fabulous website on Polish ships and her crews helped provide extensive information for this episode https://stefanbatoryoceanliner.weebly.com/MusicSources: Courtesy of freesound.orgLicense:Attribution NonCommerical 4.0, Attribution NonCommerical 3.0 Creative Commons 0

Fleeing across the Mediterranean from war-torn Europein the face of fascism, through dark forests with only the light from oil lamps to guide them, a Croatian family seeks refuge in Egypt before finding their way to safety in Camden, New Jersey to build their lives in freedom and safety...not the story you might expect to find behind the unique collection of first-class relics here at St. Joe's in Camden. With the election of Pope Leo XIV and the global focus on the Papacy over the past several weeks we thought to focus on an item of religious devotion so close to Catholicism while alsotelling the fascinating history of how they came to be here from someone who knows it so well. Tony Barolin is the nephew of Father Anthony Cecich, a Croatian priest who amassed the collection of relics enshrined in our beautifulchurch. This is his story. Also, our Polish Saint of the Month segment features St. Albert Chimielowski.Information on the relics: https://stjosephscamdennj.com/  (PowerPoint show under “relics Install”Music Sources:Chopin - Grande Valse Brillante, Opus 18 byGregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/713354/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0221029_2225_FR_MaleChoir.wav by kevp888 --https://freesound.org/s/657761/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Hopeful Cinematic Emotional Orchestra Background Musicby EvanBoyerman -- https://freesound.org/s/753968/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Vanhan ajan sota, taistelu, miekkailu / Ancient, oldtime battle, combat, horses snorting and galloping, men shouting and barking,fencing, swords clanging, mix by YleArkisto -- https://freesound.org/s/258207/-- License: Attribution 4.0Piano for Meditation by SergeQuadrado --https://freesound.org/s/740607/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0220118_1781-2_FR_ChurchOrgan.wav by kevp888 --https://freesound.org/s/615216/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Accordion-music-reverb.wav by eyenorth --https://freesound.org/s/482212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

The story of Father Walter Ciszek, a saint in all butname, is one that has riveted people of faith since he first emerged from the Soviet prison system in the early 1960s. A Jesuit priest descended from Polish immigrants, Father Ciszek shares a unique insight into the nature of sufferingthat is relevant for all those struggling to make sense of it in their lives and the world. Our interview today with another Jesuit, Father Michael Desjardins, looks at the life and lessons of this remarkable man and Servant of God. Additionally, we announce the beginning of a program focused on Father Ciszek and the reading of his spiritual gem of a book, “He Leadeth Me.” Checkout: www.withgodincamden.info for more information. Music and Sound Sources: Chopin - Grande Valse Brillante, Opus 18 byGregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/713354/ -- License: AttributionNonCommercial 4.0HopefulCinematic Emotional Orchestra Background Music by EvanBoyerman --https://freesound.org/s/753968/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Accordion-music-reverb.wavby eyenorth -- https://freesound.org/s/482212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Warsaw-church-chant-2.wavby xserra -- https://freesound.org/s/115233/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 EmotionalFlashbacks by ViraMiller -- https://freesound.org/s/745458/ -- License:Attribution 4.0 Stardust,Minimalist Piano Background Music That Evokes Emotion by kjartan_abel --https://freesound.org/s/546087/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 08092014_Torzym_playingchildren.mp3 by miastodzwiekow -- https://freesound.org/s/263763/ -- License:Attribution 4.0 hauntedsqueezebox.wavby LiloSound -- https://freesound.org/s/507025/ -- License: AttributionNonCommercial 4.0 hanging manin prison.wav by mzeperx -- https://freesound.org/s/412103/ -- License:Attribution NonCommercial 3.0 121110_Gniezno_Nie_rzucim_ziemi.wavby Zbylut -- https://freesound.org/s/169377/ -- License: AttributionNonCommercial 4.0 russianchurch Karelia.wav by heroman -- https://freesound.org/s/508072/ -- License:Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Working withhammer on anvil #1 by arnaud coutancier -- https://freesound.org/s/388056/ --License: Attribution NonCommercial 3.0 Wonderful - Calm Beautiful Piano Loop by ispeakwaves-- https://freesound.org/s/439877/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Scores of people around the world marvel at the depth of Polish music and dance traditions. These folk dances contain elements derived from Poland’s history and the influences of her geographic neighbors. The dances showcase Polish culture in arguably the most important manner. This month we sit down with Andrea and Peter Shaefer, two lifelong experts on this wonderful aspect of Poland’s folk tradition. Also, stick around to the end for our Polish Saint of the Month, St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr. Wesolego Alleluja Happy Easter!Musicand Sound Sources:Chopin- Grande Valse Brillante, Opus 18 by GregorQuendel & Chopin - Waltz in EMinor - B. 56 - Arranged for Strings by GregorQuendel –--https://freesound.org/s/713354/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0The Pretorian Guard - Triumphal March - Luscomb -Arranged for Strings by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/719158/ --License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 day of strzalkowo_national anthem_officialopening270610.mp3 by miastodzwiekow -- https://freesound.org/s/100664/ --License: Attribution 4.0 240818_2819-4_FR_Organ_concert_in_Cathedral by kevp888 --https://freesound.org/s/757995/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Piano for Meditation by SergeQuadrado --https://freesound.org/s/740607/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 20170416- Zurich Enge Church Easter Sunday.wav by LG -- https://freesound.org/s/393923/-- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 

March 19th is the Feast of our patron, St. Joseph. To celebrate this we decided to devote an episode to the long and varied history of St. Joseph’s Polish Church and now the Polish Apostolate here in Camden. We sat down with Dot and Henry Szychulski, lifetime parishioners and the most active members of our community and Apostolate to talk about their memories of the area as well as the history they work so tirelessly to preserve. Yet, history despite its nature, doesn’t dwell solely in the past and infers our present and future. To find out how, listen to our wonderful discussion and reflection in this episode!Music: Choral recordings of the “Mass of Our Lady of Perpetual Help” by Leopold Syre, St. Lucia’s Choir 2010. Property of St. Joseph’s History Society. Used With Permission. Chopin - Grande ValseBrillante, Opus 18 by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/713354/ --License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0hauntedsqueezebox.wavby LiloSound -- https://freesound.org/s/507025/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0Working with hammer onanvil #1 by arnaud coutancier -- https://freesound.org/s/388056/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 3.0Accordion-music-reverb.wav byeyenorth -- https://freesound.org/s/482212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Warsaw-church-chant-2.wav byxserra -- https://freesound.org/s/115233/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Emotional Flashbacks by ViraMiller-- https://freesound.org/s/745458/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Stardust, Minimalist PianoBackground Music That Evokes Emotion by kjartan_abel --https://freesound.org/s/546087/ -- License: Attribution 4.0231221_2608_FR_Organ_in_cathedralby kevp888 -- https://freesound.org/s/718691/ -- License: Attribution 4.008092014_Torzym_playing children.mp3 by miastodzwiekow-- https://freesound.org/s/263763/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

  The crash of thunder, the rush of wind, the howl of wolves in the distance, all are staples of an atmosphere that summons some of our darkest fears. In a rural Poland, these fears could be dangerous realities that preyed on the conscience of our ancestors even more so. Seeking refuge in their unique sense of spirituality and religion, Poland gave birth to the tradition of the Gromnica or Thunder Candle. In this episode, we examine the elements of this tradition and how you can bring it back whenever fear or the natural elements threaten. Our Polish Saint of the Month is St. Hedwig of Silesia. Bibliography: Gawell, Donna “Gromnica: Thunder Candle” ⁠https://donnagawell.com/europe/poland/gromnica-the-thunder-candle/⁠ Meet the Slavs “Gromnica: Polish Candlemas Day” ⁠https://meettheslavs.com/gromnica/⁠ My Catholic Life, “St. Hedwig” ⁠https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/october-17-st-hedwige/⁠ Wikepedia, “Hedwig of Silesia” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedwig_of_Silesia Music: Chopin - Grande Valse Brillante, Opus 18 by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/713354/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Accordion-music-reverb.wav by eyenorth -- https://freesound.org/s/482212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 220118_1781-2_FR_ChurchOrgan.wav by kevp888 -- https://freesound.org/s/615216/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Piano for Meditation by SergeQuadrado -- https://freesound.org/s/740607/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0

In January of 1863, starved for independence, and chaffing under the oppressive rule of foreign occupiers, Poles rose up in the largest and longest uprising in the nation’s history. In this episode, the causes, history, and lessons of this important and sometimes forgotten period of Poland are recounted. In our “Polish Saint of the Month” segment, St. Raphael Kalinowski. Church Tours taking place on January 11th, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Bibliography: “The January Uprising which spurred on Polish Independence,” Polish at Heart, January 31st, 2024, https://polishatheart.com/the-january-uprising-which-spurred-on-polish-independence Alicja Rose & Jessica Sirotin, “The January Uprising: the main goal was gaining independence: An interview with Professor Piotr Szlanta,” Polish History, https://polishhistory.pl/january-uprising-the-main-goal-was-gaining-independence/ „Raphael Kalinowski, O.C.D. (1835-1907)” Vatican.va,  https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_19911117_kalinowski_en.html “Raphael Kalinowski” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raphael_Kalinowski Music References: Chopin - Grande Valse Brillante, Opus 18 by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/713354/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Chopin - Nocturne Op. 9, No. 2 by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/745762/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 The Pretorian Guard - Triumphal March - Luscomb - Arranged for Strings by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/719158/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Accordion-music-reverb.wav by eyenorth -- https://freesound.org/s/482212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Landsknechtsmarsch_16bit.wav by Andune -- https://freesound.org/s/232585/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 VOC_220925-2126-3_FR_OfficialMarchingBand.wav by kevp888 -- https://freesound.org/s/653671/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Vanhan ajan sota, taistelu, miekkailu / Ancient, old time battle, combat, horses snorting and galloping, men shouting and barking, fencing, swords clanging, mix by YleArkisto -- https://freesound.org/s/258207/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Warsaw-church-chant-2.wav by xserra -- https://freesound.org/s/115233/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Emotional Flashbacks by ViraMiller -- https://freesound.org/s/745458/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Stardust, Minimalist Piano Background Music That Evokes Emotion by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/546087/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Sad Emotional - bpm 86 loop by DenKyschuk -- https://freesound.org/s/719045/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Chopin - Nocturne in F minor, Op. 55, No. 1 by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/742857/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 231221_2608_FR_Organ_in_cathedral by kevp888 -- https://freesound.org/s/718691/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Today on a special Christmas edition of our podcast we welcome Debbie Majka who among other things is the Honorary Polish Consul for Southeastern Pennsylvania and an incredible pillar of the Polish community in the Philadelphia Area. Our wonderful and energetic conversation covers not only her personal experiences and knowledge of Polish Christmas Traditions, but also the ways you can get involved with Polish organizations in our area and the timeless value of promoting our culture. We hope you will enjoy our coverage of the wonderful and unique Polish Christmas traditions from opłatki to Krakowian Szopka construction, all recalled to the seasonal sounds of our own St. Joseph’s Choir singing kolędy in the background. Our Polish Saint of the Month is St. John Cantius, who’s tireless efforts at education and charity are an inspiration for educators everywhere. Wesołych Świąt! Merry Christmas! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram and as always email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or suggestions. We’d love to hear from you! Bibliography: “About Our Patron Saint John of Kenty,” St. John Cantius Church Chicago Website, https://www.cantius.org/patron-saint/1000 “John Cantius”, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cantius Music Sources: Chopin - Grande Valse Brillante, Opus 18 by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/713354/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Chopin - Nocturne Op. 9, No. 2 by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/745762/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 All Koledy recordings courtesy of St. Joseph’s History Society. Used with permission.  

Witamy! Welcome to “Pierogi to Prayer!” Today on our very first podcast we will be introducing ourselves and explaining how our Polish heritage is more than just the much loved dumpling known of course as pierogi. Our monthly episodes will feature information about Polish culture and history as well as sharing events that are happening both at St. Joe’s Polish in Camden and throughout our region. Our hope in producing this podcast is that you will gain an appreciation for all the rich culture that we have to share, but also that it will spur you to seek out our apostolate and other resources we provide to enrich your own cultural and spiritual life. On today’s episode our host talks with Rev. Adam Cichoski, rector of the Cathedral Parish of the Immaculate Conception and the spiritual leader of our Apostolate. We will talk a little bit about what St. Joe’s Apostolate is, its mission, and what makes it unique. We will then talk about the delicious dish that is part of our podcast title today the ‘Pierogi” before wrapping up with a piece that will become a monthly feature of our podcast: our Polish saint of the month who is in fact among other things, the Patron saint of pierogi! Who knew?! Bibliography: Metrak-Ruda, Natalia. “Poland’s most famous dish: PIEROGI” culture.pl https://culture.pl/en/article/polands-most-famous-dish-pierogi “The Pierogi Experiment-Facts” the pierogi experiment https://www.thepierogiexperiment.com/facts “St. Hyacinth.” https://www.nashvilledominican.org/community/our-dominican-heritage/our-saints-and-blesseds/st-hyacinth/ “Hyacinth of Poland.” wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyacinth_of_Poland Music Sources: Chopin - Grande Valse Brillante, Opus 18 by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/713354/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Chopin - Nocturne Op. 9, No. 2 by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/745762/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Chopin - Prelude No. 15, Opus 28 - Arranged for Strings by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/727316/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0