From May 5 to May 7, 2025, a significant gathering of diocesan spokespersons took place in Gniezno, Poland, marking the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of Bolesław Chrobry and Mieszko II Lambert, as well as the 1025th anniversary of the establishment of the Archdiocese and Metropolis of Gniezno. This three-day event, led by Father Leszek Gęsiak SJ, the spokesman of the Polish Episcopal Conference, provided a platform for discussion, experience exchange, prayer, and integration among the attendees.
Archbishop Wojciech Polak, the Primate of Poland, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of effective communication within the Church. He stated, "Good communication cannot be based on guessing and a personal sense of the situation. Good communication needs knowledge, and knowledge requires closeness." His remarks resonated deeply, as the spokespersons were reminded that understanding the Church's life is essential before conveying it to others.
The meeting kicked off on Monday evening, with various sessions focusing on the current issues facing the Church and its media outreach. On Tuesday morning, the spokespersons engaged in discussions with notable guests, including Father Wojciech Rzeszowski, head of the Polish Episcopal Conference's Office for the Protection of Children and Youth, and Anna Osińska and Krzysztof Socha from the Gniezno District Police Headquarters. They addressed topics such as media communication and the pressing societal issues affecting the Church.
During the Holy Mass celebrated at Gniezno Cathedral, Archbishop Polak reflected on the significance of understanding the Church's realities before communicating them. He urged the spokespersons to be fully immersed in their communities, stating, "If we want to communicate to others what is the life of our diocesan Church, we must first know this Church well, which means being in it with all our heart and soul, being close." He further emphasized that one cannot inform others without a comprehensive understanding of the situation, highlighting the need for an in-depth perspective.
The Archbishop also recalled the January Media Jubilee in Rome, sharing insights from Pope Francis, who noted that the language, attitude, and tone used in communication can either build bridges or deepen divisions. He quoted the Pope, saying, "Not all stories are good, yet they must all be told. Evil must be visible to be redeemed; however, it must be well told so as not to fray the delicate threads of coexistence. Telling stories of hope means seeing the crumbs of good hidden even when everything seems lost, allowing hope even against all hope. This is the power of storytelling."
The gathering was not only about discussions and prayers but also about connecting with the historical roots of Polish statehood and the Church. After the Mass, the spokespersons toured Gniezno Cathedral and the Archdiocesan Museum, where they explored the rich history encapsulated in the relics of Saint Wojciech. They also visited the underground of the Cathedral located on Lech Hill, where remnants of the first churches from the 10th and 11th centuries, along with the graves of Gniezno archbishops and Polish Primates, are preserved.
On Tuesday afternoon, as part of the Holy Year 2025 observance, the participants made a pilgrimage to Lednica Fields, where they passed through the Fish Gate, a designated jubilee site in the Gniezno Archdiocese. This pilgrimage served as a spiritual journey, connecting the spokespersons with the historical and religious significance of the locations they visited.
Additionally, the spokespersons met with organizers of the annual Lednica 2000 Youth Meeting, scheduled for June 7, 2025, the eve of Pentecost. This gathering aims to engage young people in faith and community, continuing the tradition of fostering connections among the youth.
As the meeting drew to a close on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Father Leszek Gęsiak was set to preside over the concluding Holy Mass. This reflective moment was not only a chance for the spokespersons to express gratitude for their experiences but also a time to renew their commitment to effectively communicate the Church's message in a rapidly changing world.
The gathering of diocesan spokespersons in Gniezno underscored the importance of understanding and communicating the Church's life authentically. As they returned to their respective dioceses, the participants carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and hope, ready to share the stories of their communities with clarity and compassion.
