Written by Dr. Sunny Jeong
Visiting the European Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk on June 25 was an enlightening experience personally for me due to the fact that it provided me a deep understanding of the crucial role played by spiritual leaders, particularly Pope John Paul II, in the Solidarity movement in Poland. The museum captures how faith, church and the quest for justice intertwined to bring about significant social and political change.
Pope John Paul II’s influence on the Solidarity movement was profound and multifaceted. I was not aware of the Pop’s first visit until Dr. Wright told me about. After searching and learning about his first visit to Poland in 1979, I learned it ignited a sense of hope and empowerment among the Polish people. By addressing the crowds with his famous exhortation, “Do not be afraid,” he inspired a collective awakening that bolstered the resolve of those opposing the communist regime. His spiritual guidance and advocacy for human rights provided a moral foundation that invigorated the movement.
The Pope’s second pilgrimage to Poland in 1983, detailed vividly in the museum, further solidified his role as a beacon of hope and solidarity. During this visit, he met with students and professors at the Jagiellonian University on June 22, 1983, and celebrated mass with intentions highlighting the plight of repressed opposition activists. The banners referencing internment at his masses were a testament to the ongoing struggle for freedom and the people’s unwavering resolve. His visit to Poznań on June 20, 1983, where participants emphasized the absence of their detained comrades, underscored the harsh realities faced by the opposition.
One poignant moment during the pilgrimage was the Holy Mass held in Wrocław, where Marianna Popiełuszko, mother of the martyred Reverend Jerzy Popiełuszko, participated. This event encapsulated the spirit of resistance and the deep intertwining of faith and national identity. The saying, “Where there is the Pope, there is freedom,” resonated deeply, reminding all of the vital role spiritual leaders play in advocating for human rights and dignity.
The museum also showcases how the Pope’s speeches during this period emphasized inherent human rights. His declaration that “the right to organize is an inherent, inborn law” and that the state is obligated to protect this right, not bestow it, was a powerful affirmation of the principles underpinning the Solidarity movement.
These historical insights were profoundly moving, especially considering my own background and education in the Korean democratization movement, where many of my senior college students participated and were jailed or tortured in the 1980s. The Solidarity Centre shows how the church provided not only spiritual but also practical support to the movement. Churches became safe places for meetings and planning, and local clergy offered moral and material assistance to activists. This support was crucial in sustaining the movement during its most challenging times.
Reflecting on this visit, I am struck by the enduring power of spiritual leadership in mobilizing and sustaining social movements. The Solidarity movement’s success was not solely due to political or economic factors but was significantly bolstered by the moral and spiritual support provided by many spiritual leaders like Pope John Paul II who exemplified the profound impact that a spiritual leader can have on a nation’s struggle for freedom and justice.
The European Solidarity Centre effectively conveys the story of how faith, courage, and unity can triumph over oppression. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining our humanity and dignity in the face of adversity. The lessons from the Solidarity movement are timeless, offering inspiration and hope for those who continue to fight for justice and human rights around the world. My visit to the museum was not just a journey into the past but an affirmation of the enduring strength of solidarity and faith in shaping a better future. We have a lot more work to do!
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