Thursday, March 27, 2008
Wesolego Alleluja
On Sunday, March 23, 2008, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble celebrated their 30th Anniversary of participating in the Resurrection Mass at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit, Michigan. In addition to participating in Easter services, Wawel regularly participates in holiday and special liturgies at Sweetest Heart.
In 1978, Sweetest Heart parishioner and Wawel member, John Zaporski approached Sweetest Heart’s then pastor Fr. Bohdan Kosicki with idea of Wawel’s participation in the Easter Resurrection mass procession in Polish folk dress. Fr. Kosicki enthusiastically approved.
Wawel was sent an invitation to participate which accepted by Wawel’s then Director and Choreographer, Marcia Lewandowski, and the members of the ensemble. The ensemble made an immediate and positive impression on Sweetest Heart’s congregation as the prepared to take their place in the procession. The ensemble was attired in the elaborate folk dress of the town dwellers of Zywiec, Poland. Members of the Ensemble also brought their families for Wawel’s first Easter Mass at Sweetest Heart. For many of the members, it was their first time in the Church.
Members of the Ensemble were awestruck at the beauty and majesty of the church although in 1978, the interior of the church was in dire need of restoration and repair. Paint was peeling off the walls in certain areas and there was visible damage to certain areas of the gold leaf canvas ceiling. Still, the Resurrection Mass of 1978 is remembered as one of the most beautiful masses celebrated at Sweetest Heart. The mass featured the singing of Sweetest Heart’s choir, an increase in mass attendance and Wawel’s participation.
The Wawel Folk Ensemble’s participation in Sweetest Heart’s events has grown throughout the years to include participation in the Christmas Eve Pasterka procession, several May crownings, and performing at the parish’s annual Pierogi Festival since the festival’s inception.
For Easter 2008, the Wawel Folk Ensemble, attired in folk dress from the region of Kaszuby, processed in the beautifully restored church interior. Wawel continues to participate in Sweetest Heart of Mary’s vibrant parish community with its pastor, Fr. Mark Borkowski dedicated to the preservation of the Polish Heritage.
In 1978, Sweetest Heart parishioner and Wawel member, John Zaporski approached Sweetest Heart’s then pastor Fr. Bohdan Kosicki with idea of Wawel’s participation in the Easter Resurrection mass procession in Polish folk dress. Fr. Kosicki enthusiastically approved.
Wawel was sent an invitation to participate which accepted by Wawel’s then Director and Choreographer, Marcia Lewandowski, and the members of the ensemble. The ensemble made an immediate and positive impression on Sweetest Heart’s congregation as the prepared to take their place in the procession. The ensemble was attired in the elaborate folk dress of the town dwellers of Zywiec, Poland. Members of the Ensemble also brought their families for Wawel’s first Easter Mass at Sweetest Heart. For many of the members, it was their first time in the Church.
Members of the Ensemble were awestruck at the beauty and majesty of the church although in 1978, the interior of the church was in dire need of restoration and repair. Paint was peeling off the walls in certain areas and there was visible damage to certain areas of the gold leaf canvas ceiling. Still, the Resurrection Mass of 1978 is remembered as one of the most beautiful masses celebrated at Sweetest Heart. The mass featured the singing of Sweetest Heart’s choir, an increase in mass attendance and Wawel’s participation.
The Wawel Folk Ensemble’s participation in Sweetest Heart’s events has grown throughout the years to include participation in the Christmas Eve Pasterka procession, several May crownings, and performing at the parish’s annual Pierogi Festival since the festival’s inception.
For Easter 2008, the Wawel Folk Ensemble, attired in folk dress from the region of Kaszuby, processed in the beautifully restored church interior. Wawel continues to participate in Sweetest Heart of Mary’s vibrant parish community with its pastor, Fr. Mark Borkowski dedicated to the preservation of the Polish Heritage.
