Madonna and the Military Church

This statue was erected a few years ago and is now proudly standing in front of the illuminated military church near Toruń's New Square.

The University Church

The steeple of the University church stands proudly high above Toruń's main square. The church is one of the most popular in Toruń and often hosts concerts.

The Monte Cassino Mass

All images courtesy of Joanna Jeziorowska

3 days ago on 18th May 2011, Toruń's Historical War Museum (http://www.muzeumhw.pl/) organised a patriotic holy mass to mark the 67th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Monte Cassino. Piotr Olecki the founder of the museum gave his reasons for organising the poignant event. "We noticed that every year more and more citizens have begun to forget about the many important events from Polish history", he remarked.

Veterans from the battle together with representatives from the World Association of Home Army and Toruń's Deputy Commander Garrison descended on the military church for a special mass. It was followed by an informal meeting at nearby school number 11. There soldiers sang old songs, veterans shared their war memories with high school students and an old gramophone played the tune "The Red Poppies on Monte Cassino" - one of the best known Polish military songs of World War II.

It was on 18th May 1944 that the Polish II Corps took Hill 593, a strategic defense point during the infamous Battle of Monte Cassino. The Poles had unusual help in the form of an Iranian bear called Wojtek. Raised by the Polish soldiers he helped to carry artillery shells during the battle.

Here is a link to a Youtube slideshow of some images from Monte Cassino:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxCZ7MFrou8&feature=player_detailpage

Many thanks to Piotr Olecki for organising this memorable event and for the photographs that he kindly sent in to TORUŃ DAILY PHOTO. The images were taken by Joanna Jeziorowska, a high school student.

Inside Zamek Bierzgłowski

Continuing on from yesterday's post, today we venture beyond the castle walls. Zamek Bierzgłowski has been owned by the Diocese of Toruń since 1992, which has contributed towards its general upkeep. These photos show the quaint chapel within the castle.

The First Communion

Last weekend, we attended a First Communion which is traditionally a very important festive occasion for Roman Catholic families. After the mass, families always celebrate with a sumptuous feast as well as gifts for the child.

The Nun

Being a Roman Catholic country, the sight of a nun is something of a regular occurrence.

The Nuns of Toruń

This artistic shot shows a procession of Nuns as they pass the cathedral last night. You will recall last week's religious holiday Corpus Christi. Well for the next 8 days after that, there is a small procession that goes around the cathedral every evening. Again the bells toll, there is singing and girls throw flower petals to pave the path for the 'body of Christ'. Tonight will be the last time until next year.

Corpus Christi

Today here in Poland (and indeed other Roman Catholic and even some Church of England countries) is the religious holiday Corpus Christi...when all shops close and there is a large procession through the streets of all cities and villages. The Christian feast is in honour of the Holy Eucharist and the processions always symbolises the Body of Christ.

Today the mighty Tuba Dei bell tolled in Torun's Cathedral and the procession began. Unfortunately, I was still tucked up in bed....so this photo was taken from the Corpus Christi procession in Toruń 3 years ago. Today...the sun is shining for everyone!

The memory of Pope John Paul II lives on

Poland has a strong heart for it's late great Polish Pope John Paul II. Two days ago a spectacular new statue commemorating him was unveiled here in Toruń. It's very impressive and through these images you can see just how large it is! The image on the right was taken at the ceremony by Mark Hoogslag. The tall, bald man doing the honours is none other than the President of Toruń...Michal Zaleski.

When The Pope died two years ago, Poland came to a stand still in an outpouring of mass grief. There was a large outdoor mass for him held in the main square of Toruń. Thousands of people attended...each one holding a candle...it was the most beautiful experience. I'll never forget it!