The Mass was celebrated by priests from Bolesławiec’s parishes. Father Edward Bober presided. “We want to thank the Pope for this pontificate. We want to thank him for defending life, which he proclaimed on every continent of our globe. We want to thank him for defending sacramental marriage and for standing up for the wronged and exploited person,” Father Edward Bober told the people gathered beneath the Millennium Cross.
The city and county authorities actively participated in the Mass. The mayor and deputy mayors, together with the county head, read the Liturgy of the Word. Banners representing, among others, the army, scouts, schools and veterans’ organizations, as well as delegations from companies and institutions, were present in front of the altar.
Thousands of Bolesławiec residents came to the ceremony despite the rain. To make it easier for people to reach the designated location, the police closed the streets surrounding the Millennium Cross.
The residents of Bolesławiec expressed their gratitude to the Polish Pope through joint prayer and singing. As during the previous day’s ceremonies, the people of Bolesławiec sang Barka, John Paul II’s favorite hymn, several times.
The square beneath the Millennium Cross was not the only place in Bolesławiec where the Pope was remembered that day. People also gathered on Jana Pawła II Street. As the day before, votive candles were lit there and a procession passed along the street.