Pope John Paul the Great

Karol Józef Wojtyła, known as John Paul II since his October 1978 election to the papacy, was born in the Polish town of Wadowice, a small city 50 kilometers from Krakow, on May 18, 1920. He was the youngest of three children born to Karol Wojtyła and Emilia Kaczorowska. His mother died in 1929. His eldest brother Edmund, a doctor, died in 1932 and his father, a non-commissioned army officer died in 1941. A sister, Olga, had died before he was born. Read more

Exhibits
Joy to the World: 8th Annual Crèche Exhibit:  From December 1 until January 27, 2010 the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center’s annual exhibit, Joy to the World, showcases over 300 Nativity Scenes from 47 countries around the world.  The Center boasts the largest display in the metropolitan D.C. area.  All are welcome to view the magnificence of the exhibit during regular public hours throughout December and January and special holiday hours posted elsewhere on this page. Theme decorated Christmas trees, including those with lavishly handmade Polish ornaments, are on display throughout the exhibit.  The exhibit was recently featured by Holly Morris on the Fox 5 Morning Show.

Papal and Polish Heritage Room
Never before seen photographs, video footage, artwork, and personal memorabilia from Pope John Paul’s childhood through his Papacy tells the story of the first Polish Pope and one the world’s greatest spiritual leaders. He was a son of Poland, son of Mary, a man of the World, a man of God.

LOVE, HOPE & ART: Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month - Celebrating Cultures
Love, Hope and Art is a semiannual art exhibit designed to be used as a teaching tool, to help people better understand each other’s culture and faith. We will be honoring Hispanic Heritage while including works from other cultures. The artwork on display represents the richness and uniqueness of the Hispanic peoples, demonstrating the variety of influences impacting the art and faith of Hispanic Culture.

Special Announcement
Given the extreme weather forecast, the Cultural Center will be closed on Monday February 8th.

Events
Divine Mercy Mass - February 28, 2010
In honor of Divine Mercy, a Mass is celebrated at the Cultural Center the last Sunday of the month at 3:00 PM. "The Message of Divine Mercy has always been near and dear to me… which I took with me to the See of Peter and which it in a sense forms the image of this Pontificate." - Pope John Paul II
+Chaplet of Divine Mercy
+Sunday Mass
+Healing Service

News
Venerable John Paul II's life gives answers to society's problems, Supreme Knight says
Following the declaration by Pope Benedict XVI that his predecessor John Paul II lived a life of “heroic virtue,” CNA spoke with Carl Anderson, the head of the  Knights of Columbus, who is very familiar with the late Pope. According to Anderson, John Paul II's life speaks directly to the problems society confronts today. Read more

John Tagliabue Interview
The Pope John Paul II Cultural Center hosted a unique interview with John Tagliabue, foreign correspondent, who shared in the drama of the fall of communism in Poland. What follows is the interview of Mr. Tagliabue in our studio, hosted by Mr. Werner Hein, a member of our Intercultural Forum. Read more

Ordination of Archbishop Joseph DiNoia, O.P.
Newly ordained Archbishop Joseph Augustine DiNoia, O.P., was appointed Secretary of the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments by Pope Benedict XVI on June 16, 2009, and at the same time named titular Archbishop of Oregon City. Read more

The World Over with Raymond Arroyo
LIVE from the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, each week EWTN News Director, Raymond Arroyo, brings you all that is seen and unseen around the world. Read more