Comment from one of our parishioners:
Dear Mr. Matysek,
On 30 April 2024, during a meeting in the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Bishop Lewandowski said “Racism and gentrification have played a role in the dramatic population changes”.
He further stated “We know well what racism means. Sometimes we have been victims of people who do not respect us, our language, our culture, our faith. And racism has a lot to do with the movement of people.”
Most certainly, the intent of the Seek the City to Come proposal is not to relegate certain ethnic groups; however, implementing the plan of demoting Holy Rosary parish - the last remaining parish in Baltimore that cultivates Polish language, Polish culture, and Polish traditions - to a role of a worship site would do just that. It would most certainly greatly contribute to a “movement” of Polish community out of Baltimore.
As a great reporter, I ask your help in getting to the bottom of it and finding the true foundation of this proposal and evaluating possible outcomes. It is not too late to provide our leaders with unbiased information and advise them about the risks. I pray that you have the courage of sharing that truth with the Baltimore Archdiocese parishioners. The truth will set us free.
May God Bless You,
Marek Zgol
Commented article:
Nearly 1,000 parishioners weigh in on Baltimore parish reconfiguration proposal at final listening session (GEORGE P. MATYSEK JR., May 1, 2024)
https://catholicreview.org/nearly-1000-parishioners-weigh-in-on-baltimore-parish-reconfiguration-proposal-at-final-listening-session/
Other recent articles:
Archdiocese of Baltimore presents Seek the City to Come proposal to the Hispanic community (MARIETHA GÓNGORA V., May 1, 2024)
https://catholicreview.org/archdiocese-of-baltimore-presents-seek-the-city-to-come-proposal-to-the-hispanic-community/
Impassioned voices heard at Seek the City listening session (GEORGE P. MATYSEK JR., April 26, 2024)
https://catholicreview.org/impassioned-voices-heard-at-seek-the-city-listening-session/