 Poland: John Paul II's homeland
Basia Slusarczyk, 24, born in Poland but has lived in Sydney for 17 years. Currently studying Medicine at Sydney Uni, she is the WYD coordinator for the Polish Community in Sydney.
1. What's the connection between WYD, Poland and you?
Poland's connection and loyalty to WYD is very strong as it was our very own Polish Pope, John Paul II, or “Lolek” as his friends like to call him, that initiated this most fantastic international Catholic Youth Event.
Poles my age are all part of the JPII generation and for many of us John Paul II was a true national hero and a moral example in all aspects of his life. We are very proud and conscious of the legacy he has left us after his death and hence our keen involvement in church life and WYD celebrations.
My journey towards WYD started very innocently at the WYD launch event (800 days ago... wow time flies!), when I signed up as a community contact.... little did I know WYD would become my life as I am now the coordinator of 190 strong pilgrim group of Polish Sydneysiders.
I have always desired to attend a WYD and I wanted the Polish youth of Sydney to seize this opportunity and open their hearts to the Holy Spirit and to all that this experience has to offer to them. It has been a wild and sometimes bumpy ride, but seeing my group at our last group meeting, made me very emotional... I am so happy that we can all experience this historical event.... bring on WYD!!
2. How many pilgrims are coming to Sydney from your country?
Last data received from the National WYD Office in Poland stated that 2,000 pilgrims were heading over, along with 250 priests and 5 bishops.
A small, but solid cohort. I think financially this trip has proved difficult for many young people hence the cohort isn't as large as at past World Youth Days.
There is also a strong representation of local Polish youth from various capital cities including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, there is close to 400 of us.
3. What are some of the main Dioceses, cities and groups represented?
I believe there are groups from almost every major city/diocese in Poland. There are at least 42 cities represented and they include group from Warszawa, Krakow, Lublin, Gdansk, Czestochowa and Poznan just to name a few.
4. Will your country be represented in the 'Papal Plate' WYD Soccer Competition?
Yes of course …. Poland is a football crazy country. We are looking forward to cheering our team on and invite all Polish pilgrims to do so.
5. Is your country having a National Gathering at WYD and if so, when and where is it on?
We are planning a gathering on the Wednesday of World Youth Day week (July 16) at 4.30pm in the Our Lady of Czestochowa in Marayong.
Please contact Sister Grazyna on
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if you would like to attend as places are limited.
6. Are there any migrants from your country living in Australia - if so how many?
There are many Polish migrants as well us Australians with a Polish ancestry, living in Australia.
The local polish Communities are very strong and active, particularly in the capital cities. There is probably around 70,000-80,000 Poles permanently living in Australia. In addition there are often many Polish students and visitors that travel to Australia.
7. Any National Foods of interest?
Oh yes…. food is definitely something that Poles pride themselves on, recipes are past down from generations to generation.
I recommend pierogi (dumplings with various fillings: potato and cheese, meet, or blueberry are some favourites), bigos (huntsman’s stew), kielbasa (polish sausage), borsch (beetroot soup), and of course a myriad of delicious cakes and pastries including babka (a yeast based cake), sernik (baked cheesecake), paczki (polish donuts)…. And don’t forget the traditional shot of vodka!
8. Any National Past -Times of interest?
Sports including Football and skiing, watching Formula 1 (to support Kubica) singing, dancing (there is a strong history of folkloric dance), enjoying good food and socializing with family and friends over a hearty meal, a beer or a shot of vodka.
9. Describe your country in 3 words?
A proud nation with a fascinating cultural heritage, religious, beautiful scenery, knows how to throw a great party!
Poland is the hidden gem of Europe, there is so much to do and experience!
10. What little souvenirs will your country’s pilgrims bring to WYD to share their nationality with other pilgrims?
Lots of red and white themes momentos or ones bearing the traditional white eagle (our coat of arms), I know they have some beautiful bandanas with images of the Pope to share with other pilgrims, amber is also popular in Poland or perhaps something more traditional like folkloric handicrafts.
Image courtesy of steveconover (Creative Commons License), Flickr.
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