Today, June 26, a thanksgiving Holy Mass was held in the Metropolitan Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lviv, led by Most Reverend Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine. He arrived in the city as part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the historic visit of Pope John Paul II, reported by LMR.
The solemn service gathered numerous bishops, priests, and monks in white liturgical vestments within the basilica. The majestic interior of the church, adorned with frescoes, ancient icons, and gilded details, added a special prayerful atmosphere to the event.
This Holy Mass was a thanksgiving for the beatification – the declaration of blessedness for renowned Lviv residents: Archbishop Józef Bilczewski and priest Zygmunt Gorazdowski. Their beatification took place precisely during the visit of Pope John Paul II to Ukraine in 2001. Immediately after the service, a thematic photo exhibition dedicated to these events was opened near the Metropolitan Basilica.
It should be noted that Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas visited Lviv for the first time at the end of 2021.
Throughout June, Lviv is extensively celebrating the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit to Ukraine. On this occasion, a rich program has been prepared for the city, including many spiritual, cultural, artistic, and youth events. Tomorrow, June 27, Holy Mass at the Church of St. John Paul II will be led by Archbishop Renato Boccardo, the direct organizer of Pope John Paul II's visit to Ukraine in 2001.
Recall that Pope John Paul II visited Ukraine on an official visit in June 2001. This was the first official visit of the Head of the Catholic Church to our country in history. The Pontiff visited two cities – Kyiv and Lviv.
In Lviv, the Pope stayed from June 25 to 27. During this time, he met with Ukrainian youth near the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Sykhiv, and also celebrated two major Liturgies (in the Latin and Byzantine rites) at the Lviv Hippodrome. During these services, the Holy Father proclaimed 28 new martyrs of the UGCC and two spiritual figures of the RCC blessed.
