The Pope in the Tatra Mountains

Stanisław NAGY

Abstract

The present text relates the concluding part of Pope John Paul II’s second travel to Poland, which took place from 16 to 23 June, 1983. The final day of the Pope’s pilgrimage to his homeland was fi lled with a trip to the Tatra mountains. The event in question, as well as its unusual circumstances, are an occasion for the author to outline the philosophy of recreation as perceived by Karol Wojtyła, which incorporated the dialectic of extremely intense work alternated with short yet effective periods of rest. The Tatra mountains had always satisfied Wojtyła’s need for silence and solitude and they were his privileged and highly appreciated place for prayer and encounter with God. He had also considered the Tatra, with the beautiful nature of that region, as favoring his pursuit of pastoral goals focused on the youth. Thus, on June 23, 1983, Pope John Paul IIwas again able to walk in the Tatra mountains as a tourist and meet the local people. That day witnessed also his unoffi cial historic meeting with Lech Wałęsa which also took place during the short trip to the Tatra.

Summarized by Mirosława Chuda

Translated by Dorota Chabrajska

The present article was originally published in: Obecność: Karol Wojtyła–Jan Paweł II na Katolickim Uniwersytecie Lubelskim. Dar i odpowiedzialność, ed. Maria Filipiak and Andrzej Szostek, MIC (Lublin: Towarzystwo Naukowe KUL 2008, 324-337).

For copyright terms and conditions contact Editors of quarterly Ethos, The John Paul II Institute, Faculty of Philosophy, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 14, 20-950 Lublin, Poland.