Footsteps of John Paul II

Why is Poland the bastion of Christianity? How can Poland, as a country of almost forty million inhabitants, still be faithful to Christianity? The history pages of our country are bloody and painful. Despite the fact that since the dawn […]

Why is Poland the bastion of Christianity?

How can Poland, as a country of almost forty million inhabitants, still be faithful to Christianity? The history pages of our country are bloody and painful. Despite the fact that since the dawn of history it was attacked, plundered and subjected to other powers, it retained its ethnic spirit from the moment when in 966 under the leadership of first Prince Mieszko I it was baptized. At a time when Poland was stormed from various sides, people directed their prayers to God to help save the country. You can take a closer look at the history of our country thanks to numerous trips organized by BCA Travel Poland. We organize trips, among others to Oświęcim, Częstochowa or Warsaw – places that are extremely important from the perspective of time.

How does Christianity affect the social life of Poles?

Statistical data say that 92% of Poles declare belonging to a Roman Catholic church. And although this tendency has been declining in recent years, such religious uniformity is a European phenomenon. Faith gives people a sense of security, thanks to which believers have clearly defined, imposed rules. And just like in a fairy tale, good is rewarded with worldly life and evil is punished with eternal torment.
It is worth noting that many holidays are closely related to church rites (e.g. Easter – days associated with the resurrection of Christ, Christmas – birth of Jesus, August 15, we celebrate the Ascension of Mary and on January 6, the feast of the Magi – wise men welcoming the newborn Christ). Most often, church holidays are synonymous with public holidays, and therefore means days off from work and school. In 2018, a ban on trading on Sundays was also introduced. For a Catholic, it is a holy day that should be sacrificed to the family and to prayer. The tradition of the church rite is deeply rooted in Polish culture. Tourists are surprised by the fact that the temples are filled to the brim, and on Sunday afternoon entire families choose to walk to meet God. What is important, a priest, a spiritual person, who supports the community still stands high in the social hierarchy.
When, in 1978, a Pole, Karol Wojtyla, became the head of the Catholic church, Polish society felt to be a nation chosen by God. Most of the earlier popes were of Italian origin. Suddenly, due to the charismatic man, foreign media became interested in Poland. Thanks to these messages, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit beautiful places connected with the life and activity of the Polish Pope.

How to get to know the history of the Polish Pope a bit better?

BCA Travel Poland knows perfectly well that to get to know the culture of our country better, you have to take a closer look at this incredible character. Therefore, to meet expectations of our clients, we organize wonderful and unforgettable trips along the John Paul II route. If you want to know the wonderful childhood and youth of our Pope, we invite you to his hometown – beautiful Wadowice. Thanks to a well- organized trip, you will be able to take a closer look at the silhouette of this unusual man, the later saint (on 27 April 2014 he was beatified by Pope Francis). Our guides will lead you through the most important places connected with it, and to keep up with tradition- you will be able to enjoy delicious cream cakes – Karol Wojtyła’s favorite sweets.

Spiritual and timeless places in Poland

Many Poles have a great need for a walking pilgrimage to Częstochowa and Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. One might be tempted to say that the pilgrimages in Poland are not something unusual. In the summer season, when the weather conditions are more favorable, the Catholic church clergymen organize such marches, often reaching over 600 kilometers! A long walk is a great stimulus to find your own path of life and prove to yourself that even in extreme conditions we can do great.
However, you do not have to cross over countless kilometers on foot to get to know the most important goals of Polish pilgrimages. With the help of air-conditioned and modern cars, you will easily get to the most spiritual places in Poland. Only convenient shoes will be useful, because our guides have prepared a number of attractions: visiting the monastery complex, pilgrimage park, church interior and richly equipped with painting and sculptural works of the basilica. This type of journey will provide you with an unforgettable, spiritual experience and will allow you to better understand one of the top priorities of many Poles – religion.