Cardinal urges preservation of Polish culture in U.S. parishes

Published: 2004-05-05

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (CNS) -- Cardinal Adam J. Maida of Detroit called for the preservation of Polish traditions, culture and legacy in the U.S. Catholic Church at a national gathering of Polish-American priests and bishops April 21 in Syracuse. "It is important for our country, church and culture that our Polish parishes flourish," said Cardinal Maida, who is episcopal moderator of the Polish-American Priests Association. "We need to support this mission." The cardinal's talk was part of an April 19-23 convention at Le Moyne College that brought 80 priests and bishops to Syracuse. It was the 15th annual convention for the association, founded in 1989 by Bishop John W. Yanta of Amarillo, Texas, and based in San Antonio. In his talk, Cardinal Maida expressed concern over the reconfiguration and closing of churches and its impact on Polish parishes. "At times having enough people to support our churches and schools becomes a challenge, but we want to keep them open."

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