Polish Museum and Pope Mass

Date: circa 1978
Cfa collection: Frank Koza Collection
Notes: The film begins with an exterior view of the Zgoda Building at 1201 Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, the location of the Polish National Alliance. The scene changes to a small table (later revealed to be directly in front of an altar) with a photo of Karol Wojtyla, Polish Archbishop, together with chalice and host to be used for Catholic Mass. The remainder of the film shows a Mass concelebrated by three priests. Rev. Edwin Karlowicz, C.R., is the primary celebrant of the Mass; the other two concelebrants are unidentified. Rev. Edward Janas, C.R., assists. A Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA) sign hangs above the altar and glass case exhibits are momentarily visible outside the perimeter of the room, both of which suggest the possibility that the Mass may actually take place at the nearby Polish Museum of America (The PRCUA is headquartered at the Museum). Revs. Karlowicz and Janas were both active in the PRCUA and in Polish-American Catholic activities in Chicago. This Mass is likely a celebration of the election of Karol Wojtyla as Pope John Paul II, which occurred on October 16, 1978. Prior to his election as Pope, Karol Wojtyla had visited the PMA twice, most recently in 1976. Alternatively, this could be a celebration of Thaddeus Kosciusko, whose image is visible on a banner.
Subjects: Polish Americans; Religious services; Christianity
Places: North America > United States > Illinois > Chicago
Language: English
Cfa elements: Reversal Positives, 400 feet
Cfa records: https://collections.chicagofilmarchives.org/Detail/objects/11706