Posted on 04/18/2010 10:08:19 AM PDT by lizol
Poland says goodbye to president
18.04.2010
Around 90,000 gathered in Krakow for the funeral of President Lech Kaczynski and First Lady Maria.
After the funeral ceremony at St Mary's, which began at 14.00 CET, the funeral procession will begin at 15.30, making its way to Wawel Castle where, at 16.30, the coffins will be put into the specially built tomb.
Though president’s from the US, Germany and top European officials cancelled their trips to Poland following the persistence of the ash cloud over Polish air space, leaders from Ukraine, Russia, Germany, Morocco and Azerbaijan are in the southern Polish city.
A time for reconciliation
Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, once a close aid to John Paul II, led the funeral mass. Referring to the recent improvement in relations between Russia and Poland following the death of Lech Kaczynski, the cardinal welcomed President Dimitry Medvedev who was attending the service, and hoped the tragedy could be a force for “rapprochement and reconciliation".
Around 700 VIPs sat inside the Basilica, while some 40,000 watched on large screens in the market square. Up to 50,000 people are watching the mass in other locations in Krakow, said Krakow police spokesman Mariusz Sokolowski.
The police spokesman said the people were “very quiet, with people in deep contemplation".
The homily, by Cardinal Angelo Sodano - who could not travel from the Vatican to Krakow because of the ash cloud closing air space - was read by Archbishop Jozef Kowalczyk.
The mass ends with an address by acting president Bronislaw Komorowski.
Komorowski paid tribute to the presidential couple in front of the two coffins which had been placed on the alter. He expressed hope that the deaths of so many of Poland‘s top military and politicians would "finally heal the wound of Katyn”.
The coffins were then taken on military vehicles through flag-lined streets to the Silver Bell Tower at Wawel Castle where they will be laid to rest. Crowds broke into applause and shouted “We thank you, Lech Kaczynski”. At 17.10, the Zygmunt Bell sounded at the castle.
Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz then said liturgical farewell to Lech Kaczynski and Maria at Wawel Cathedral in front of guests including Georgian President Mikhail Sakaszwili, who delayed in arriving in Krakow in Rome, where flights were disrupted by the ash cloud.
President Dimitry Medvedev told reporters before he left Krakow after the funeral mass at St Mary’s Basilica: “The tragedy that occurred near Smolensk has not left anyone indifferent. In our country it has sparked strong emotions."
He stressed that he hopes this helps build better Polish-Russian relations. (pg)
Oh Lizol! So sad, so touching, such beautiful, but heartbreaking music.
When you say the plane waved the last goodbye to Warsaw do you mean when it tipped from side to side right after takeoff? I think of the pilot performing that manuver—how heartwrenching it must have been.
Thank you dear Lizol for sharing these moving photos.
I bleed today and pray for Poland.
May God grant Her healing and prosperity.
I can see Obama asking his advisors how many blacks and muslims are in Poland before he decided to cancel on our ally.
I can see Obama asking his advisors how many blacks and muslims are in Poland before he decided to cancel on our ally.
Thank you for posting this. Continued prayers for the people of Poland and especially the close family and friends.
This is a great song from Kukiz:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6iZhif46Qg
Pole in the hole down below
Poland’s not abroad, you know.
Another round of vodka.
Before the next round
In the back of the head
And down the pit they go
Body on body in a pile
And Vanya will tread ‘em down
‘Cos the bulldozer’s bust.
So pour out another, Grisha,
To Vanya, with Russian cheers
‘Cos the bulldozer’s bust,
So many of them still to go,
And we’re getting sleepy and slow.
Work, work, too much work
The old man’s going mad,
And the weather’s getting bad,
And we’ve still so many to do,
My trigger finger’s aching,
The gun’s burning into my hand,
And how many more will they send?
We don’t get a moment’s rest.
Well, what’s up Grisha?
Not saying you’re sorry for ‘em?
Pole in the hole below
It’s only a polish lag.
Let Vanya sprinkle a li’l lime
On that last heap,
Lime’ll let the memories off,
Then our consciences will sleep,
And then, the pain to ease
On top they’ll plant a grove of trees
The truth will never come out,
And Stalin will decorate each of us.
So many of ‘em still left,
What with the bulldozer bust,
Some still moving down below,
Drink down, Grisha, and let’s go.
A beautiful and proud people indeed. My heart is with them.
If you like - you can upload a booklet - the Programme for the Memorial and Funeral Ceremonies (in English).
Sad. Awesone ceremony.
That church has an incredible altar piece.
The booklet is wonderful.
Thank you for posting these majestic, sad and poignant photos.
Thank you Lizol. I have downloaded it and will treasure it always.
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