Together with the Polish Nation and the whole world we are touched by the tragedy of the deaths of Lech Kaczyński, his wife Maria and all those who died in Smolensk, Russia on Saturday 10th April 2010.

They were going to Katyń to attend the commemoration ceremony honouring the victims who died in the massacre there 70 years ago.

They were aware of the key role of historical memory and the work towards reconciliation among the Nations.

We are praying for all who died and grieving their loss.

On 10th April people who were close to us died.

Fr. Roman Indrzejczyk – chaplain of the President,. He was a former Catholic chairperson of the Polish Council of Christian and Jews.

Andrzej Przewoźnik – was the general secretary of the Council for the Protection of Struggle and Martyrdom Sites – He prepared the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the Centre for Dialogue and Prayer in Oświęcim in 2006.

Janusz Kochanowski – was the Spokeperson for Human Rights. He organized the international conference for European spokepersons for Human Rights in 2008.

Czesław Cywiński – was the chairperson of the Światowy Związek Żołnierzy AK and Piotr Cywinski’s uncle (Director of The State Museum Auschwitz – Birkenau and council member for the Centre for Dialogue and Prayer).

May They Rest in Peace

Notes of Condolence we received:

An diesem traurigen und bitteren Tag denke ich an alle Freunde im Zentrum und darüber hinaus. Ich bete für die vielen Menschen, die ihr Leben in diesem tragischen Unglück verloren haben, und für alle in Polen. Anne (Germany)

I wish to send my condolences at the tragic death of your President and his wife. I am very sorry for this. Pamela (Italy)

I Share Your sorrow of the tragedy that occurred with the top leadership of your country.
It’s difficult and painful disaster. Doron (Israel)

My heart and all my tears are with you and Poland in these days – may Matka Boska, Pan Bóg and all Saints hold you in their hands and shelter you all in these dark days! Ulla (Germany)

We are all very sorry for the loss your country experience after the tragic plane crash. We think of you. Eva (Sweden)

I am expressing condolences and sorrow about the death of all of those leaders of Poland Saturday morning. Also I am thinking of them and all of you in connection with the anniversary of the Katyń massacre and the losses now added to those losses, pain and inhumanness then, there and about it since then. (…) I am thinking of you all, with respect and humility in this situation. Gabriella (Italy)

(…) I would like to express our deepest condolences to you as well as all people in Poland after President Lech Kaczynski and dozens of others reportedly died in the tragic plane crash. This tragedy is shocking for everyone and our thoughts and condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those who died in this unprecedented accident. We express full solidarity with the Polish people at this difficult time. Rei (Japan)

Desperately sorry to hear the news from Poland. Jonathan (UK)

I have been thinking of you and all the Polish people. It is so very sad. That plane crash is dreadful. I am sure all are in a state of shock. There is a special Mass in the Polish Church this afternoon. The President will attend. Cecily (Ireland)

What a tragedy for Poland. May the Lord give eternal rest to those who died in the crash, comfort to their families, and strength to the people of Poland. Gemma  (Israel)

…Jednoczę się w tym trudnym momencie…. razem będziemy polecać Miłosierdziu Bożemu Prezydenta Polski i wszystkie ofiary tej katastrofy… Z modlitwą, Antonella (Italy)

We were shocked when we heared about the tragedy, with The crash of the plane. I’m sending you and the Polish people my condolence. So many important people on one plane.!!!!!!!!!terrible.

The president was a true friend of Israel, let us hope that the attitude towards Israel will go on. Naomi (Izrael)

 Es ist mir ein Bedürfnis, in diesen Tagen der Trauer über den dramatischen Verlust, den Ihr Land, aber auch Ihre Kirche durch den Tod des Präsidentenehepaars Maria und Lech Kaczynski und seiner großen Begleitung erlitten haben, Ihnen einen Gruß der Verbundenheit und Anteilnahme senden.

Das Verständnis Polens als „Christus unter den Völkern” liegt sich vielen unter Ihnen auf die Seele und das Gemüt. Mit Aufmerksamkeit hat die deutsche Presse ein Wort von Herrn Erzbischof Henryk Muszynski zitiert, dass „genauso, wie das Opfer Tausender von Polen, die im Osten ermordet wurden, nicht vergeblich war, auch die Anstrengungen und der Tod derer sich nicht als umsonst erweisen werden, die sich über Jahre hinweg um die Versöhnung des polnischen und des russischen Volkes bemüht haben”. Gerne bekenne ich Ihnen gegenüber die Sympathie und Erleichterung darüber, dass die Verantwortlichen der Staaten Polens und Russlands in ihrer ersten Reaktion auf das große Unglück die Tür zur Versöhnung offen gehalten haben. Ich bete dafür, dass ihnen darin weiter die Kraft und Umsicht, aber auch das Gelingen gewährt werde. Es wäre ein Zugewinn für ganz Europa.

Seien Sie versichert, dass viele Menschen auch hier zulande wirklich Anteil nehmen an Ihrer Not und Ihrer Bedrängnis. Hans (Germany).

Mit großem Entsetzen haben wir heute die Nachrichten aufgenommen! Auf einmal dieser Schlag! Und das auf einem Versühnungsweg zwischen Polen und Russland. Es mutet fast mystisch an. Neben dem Leid der Einzelnen stehen jetzt so viele Fragen, wie es in Polen weiter gehen wird. Ich bete, dass die Demokratie stark genug ist. Reinhard & Leonore (Germany)

Please accept our condolences regarding the terrible plane crash that took the life of your President and so many others. This must have come as a shock to the country, and our thoughts are with you in this time of mourning. Amy (USA)

My students and I would like to express our deep sympathy for the tragic loss of your country men and women last weekend. We met this week and we know we can’t even begin to imagine the shock all of you are experiencing. We know the strength of the Polish people will overcome this devastating loss but we also know it will take a long time to grieve.

Please know of our thoughts for you in particular and for the country.
In solidarity, Elena along with her Iona students (USA)