THE SAINT JOHN PAUL II Polish Center in Yorba Linda recently celebrated all things Polish — with music, dancing, great food, games and crafts.
The 46th Annual Dożynki Festival was held on Sept. 20 and 21 and included a walk-through display of King Bolesław’s legacy, as this year marks 1,000 years of Polish nationhood which began with the coronation of King Bolesław the Brave in 1025.
DANCERS DRESSED IN TRADITIONAL COSTUMES PERFORM FOR THE CROWD GATHERED AT THE 46TH ANNUAL DOŻYNKI FESTIVAL. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
The director of the John Paul II Center, Fr. Zbigniew Fraszczak, S.V.D., said, “This annual festival enables us to share our Polish culture and our good and tasty food. The event always attracts many people, and I believe that everyone has a nice time here.”
Fr. Zbigniew said that this year the center was honored to host Fr. Angelos Sebastian, the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Diocese of Orange, as well as Mrs. Paulina Kapuścińska, Consul General of the Republic of Poland.
THE FESTIVAL FEATURED MUSIC, DANCING, TRADITIONAL FOOD AND FUN CARNIVAL GAMES.
“This is the largest annual fundraiser for the St. John Paul II Polish Center,” said volunteer Conrad Wyszomirski, “but some of the funds support various local charities.”
A portion of last year’s proceeds was sent to help recovery efforts for the victims of the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires in January.
Wyszomirski estimated between 10,000 and 15,000 people attended the two-day event.
“Last year we raised approximately $90,000,” he added, “and we expect to do the same this year — or maybe a little more.”
FR. ZBIGNIEW FRASZCZAK OFFERS A BLESSING DURING THE 46TH ANNUAL DOŻYNKI FESTIVAL HELD ON SEPT. 20 AND 21 AT THE SAINT JOHN PAUL II POLISH CENTER IN YORBA LINDA.
After 46 years, the festival has become a significant event for the residents of Yorba Linda, as well as Polish expatriates and their descendants from throughout Southern California. This year, performances included artists from Poland, San Diego, Tucson, Los Angeles and several from Yorba Linda. Local mayors Janice Lim from Yorba Linda and Kevin Kirwin of Placentia, were on hand and each presented awards to the center honoring its contribution to the local community.
THE DOŻYNKI FESTIVAL FEATURED TRADITIONAL POLISH DANCE PERFORMANCES.
Nearly 400 families call the parish home, many of Polish descent, visiting the center regularly to attend Mass and celebrate holidays in their native language. Wyszomirski said that it takes more than 100 volunteers to plan, staff and run the event every year. They believe it is the largest community-based Polish festival outside of Poland.
The Saint John Paul II Polish Center is one of the few places in Orange County\ where the traditional Latin Mass is offered on Sunday mornings at 7:15 a.m., followed by an English Mass at 9 a.m. and a Polish Mass at 10:30 a.m. Confession is available before each Mass. First Friday Mass is offered in English at 8:30 a.m. and in Polish at 7:30 p.m. To learn more, visit www.polishcenter.org