World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2022

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The 108 World Day of Migrants and Refugees was indeed another great success.

 

An event like this does not happen by itself. It takes volunteers from various circles to organize and prepare for the event. It also takes everyone to show up and celebrate on the day to assure a huge success. 

 

Thank you firstly, to Archbishop Michael Miller for continuing to celebrate this day of unity and recognition of all nationalities within the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

 

I am grateful to the Vancouver Polish Consul Andrzej Mankowski and his wife Maria for attending. In their busy schedule to join us. 

 

To Fr. Tomasz Krzesik OMI of St Casimir’s parish who celebrates mass in Polish in Vancouver, Surrey and Maple Ridge. Also, the continued support of St Cassimir’s parishioners particularly Sr Renata and fellow parishioners who faithfully attend the WDMR.

 

The Canadian Polish Dance Society led by Jacek Niemirski, gave an authentic flavor and showed a variety of our traditional dances. This was not easy for them, as like many other things, they have not been practising and doing as many events as in previous years. They graciously accepted to participate knowing the hours of rehearsal required. I thank them for their commitment to sharing and promoting Polish culture.

 

Finally, I’d like to thank my family and friends who came to not only to support me in celebration but wore traditional Polish costumes, even my non-Polish son-in-law.

 

It takes many hands to make days like this truly a celebration: a collective of nationalities coming together in unity, celebrating each other’s culture.

 

By Janina Freyman,  Polish Women Federation #4 in Vancouver 

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