The pews were full, the choir loft was packed with musicians and many parishioners stood in the rear of Rochester’s St. Stanislaus Kostka Church May 1 as Bishop Matthew H. Clark celebrated a special Mass in honor of Pope John Paul II, the Polish son who was beatified the same day at the Vatican. Bishop Clark spoke about his personal experiences with Pope John Paul II during his homily, and after the homily walked to the church’s shrine to Our Lady of Czestochowa and Pope John Paul II, where he recited a prayer in honor of the late pope. (Click here to view more photos from this event and/or buy prints.)
First Communicants line up prior to the Mass.
Musicians fill the choir loft during the Mass.
Altar servers make their way through the crowded church.
Children wear traditional Polish garb.
Bishop Matthew H. Clark and concelebrating priests at the altar.
Parishioners kneel to pray at a shrine to Pope John Paul II.
