As if from a different angle than usual, the sun is peeking under the field altar at St. Margaret's Basilica. For years it has looked from where the church is oriented - the east. Today, it has chosen the west as the place from where to illuminate the Festival community during the Mass. Because this year the Mass is being celebrated in the evening.
“The Father from Heaven, God and our Lord” - over the years this was the call sounded by Józek Broda’s trembita. And so it is time to say, and probably not for the last time, that Józek Broda has not joined us this year. Therefore, the honour and privilege concerned with opening the Eucharist fell to Krzysztof Trebunia-Tutka. The melody is different, but the opening is worthy of the place, the time, the event...
We are greeted - as we have been for several years now - by Rev. Jerzy Jurkiewicz, the parish priest; the main celebrant - and we have also become accustomed to him - is Rev. Dr Stanisław Kowalik, the Festival chaplain.
“Have a little rest,” says Jesus to his disciples in today's Gospel reading, and Rev. Dr Kowalik discerns the similarity - despite the Festival challenging moments - between the Master's disciples resting and the children from all the mountains in the world showing their traditions. “Who needs a road if it doesn’t lead to the Church.” And if culture is such a road, it is no wonder that the historical images shown on the Festival stage speak of faith, rituals, prayers, customs... And we are like restless sheep who nevertheless find peace when we are touched by the Shepherd’s closeness. Towards the end of the service, the chaplain wishes the children comradeship-building activities and rest. Enjoying the time given by the Shepherd.
Kamil Cyganik
