During the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the visit of St. John Paul II to Lviv, the activity of the mobile museum "House of St. John Paul II" serves as a special reminder of his personality and mission. The museum will travel to different parts of the city, and those willing will be able to see the personal belongings of the Holy Father.
This is reported by the LGS website.
The exhibits are presented by the Pope's personal secretary, Archbishop Mieczyslaw Mokrzycki. Today, a museum was officially opened in the city center on Katedralna Square – here it will operate during the day, and tomorrow it will travel to another location.
"20 years ago, John Paul II visited the young Ukrainian state, which marked its 10th anniversary. The Holy Father knew that Ukraine, which had passed the difficult trials of the XX century, needed support and spiritual care. We remember those days and this gesture of kindness and peace that John Paul II conveyed to us. Today's exhibition is the personification of our memory, respect and reverence for the Holy Father," Father Gregory Draus, rector of St. John Paul II Church, said during the opening of the museum.
"These days we are united by St. John Paul II. I am very glad that we can tell about the Holy Pope to those people who did not have the opportunity to see him here in Lviv. The events that are currently taking place on the anniversary of his arrival are living evidence of him, encourage us to change and do good," said Yevhen Boyko, director of the Department "Mayor's Administration" at the Lviv City Council.
"I would like to express my gratitude for this mobile museum. The exhibition of the Pope's things brings his personality closer to us. I am glad that today John Paul II will walk through the streets of our city in this house, look at our lives and bless us. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the activities of this museum. In the evening, our department will also host a concert, and tomorrow there will be celebrations, the consecration of the monument, so that we can receive His Grace, once again experience a meeting with him, so that he asks for all the necessary caresses for each of us," said Bishop Mieczyslaw Mokrzycky, Metropolitan and Archbishop of the Lviv, RCC.
Thus, those interested were able to leave entries in the visitor´s logbook, which will be published later.
Among the exhibits of this museum you can see:
- Cassock – priest´s clothing that the pope wore for every day,
- the liturgical clothes that he wore to celebrate the Eucharist,
- the stick that the Holy Father leaned on in the last years of his life,
- the Chalice and Diskos with which he celebrated the Eucharist,
- Bishop's ring - a symbol of engagement with the Church,
- A fountain pen used by the pope to write sermons and messages, and a paper stand,
- The original unfinished letter with the words "Dear Madam", which can symbolically be considered an appeal to each of us,
- Kitchen items and more.
The name of the mobile museum " House of St. John Paul II" indicates that it is possible to get to know the identity and teachings of the Pope closely, and directs him to a house with the same name, created to honor the place of the Eucharist, which the pope performed at the Hippodrome located nearby ( 6 Stryjska str.). Two papal liturgies were held on June 26 (Latin) and June 27 (Greek) and gathered many people.
The museum is located in a 13-meter-long man trailer and is mobile, as it will travel along the path of the Pope's visit to Lviv:
- June 25, 11.00-21.00 Katedralna square, the opening of the exhibition,
- June 26, 10.00-20.00 6 Stryjska str, the House of John Paul II".
- June 27, 09.00 - 15.00, John Paul II Square (Sykhiv), Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos,
- June 27, 17.00-20.00, 49A Lychakivska str., Sanctuary of St. Antony.
St. John Paul II did not visit this place, but the presence of the museum there symbolizes that the pope wants to come to every corner of Lviv, to every home.
Entry to each location is free.