STORY 2
My Pilgrimage Experience in Poland
Facing the Truth About Myself
My experience on the pilgrimage to Poland was that I saw the truth about myself. For example – how selfish I am, how much I lack humility, how full of pride and self-focus I am, and how I tend to think that everything should go my way. When the air conditioning on the plane didn’t work, I couldn’t stand having to listen to other people complain. It was also hard for me when I didn’t know the plans for the next day.
Inspired by St. Maximilian Kolbe
But when we arrived at the home of St. Maximilian Kolbe and I learned what he had done, I was deeply moved – and I still think about it to this day. He gave his life for a man who had a family he might never see again. I realized that I, focused on myself, would probably wait for my own turn, or even try at all costs to avoid death.
The Story of Rudolf Höss
Another story that touched me was about Rudolf Höss, the German officer in charge of the concentration camp in Auschwitz. After he was arrested after the war and put in prison, everyone treated him kindly. They showed him respect and did not express hatred, even though he had killed their wives, children, parents, and entire families. He could not understand such treatment. Eventually, he asked the soldiers to find him a priest. They couldn’t find anyone – and then he remembered that once, he had spared the life of a very sick priest. The soldiers found that same priest, and he was the one who heard Höss’s confession in prison.
Discovering God’s Mercy
What truly amazes me is that God showed him mercy and forgave him, even though he had killed so many innocent people. This showed me that God forgives all the sins I commit – but I must acknowledge them. During this pilgrimage, I discovered the great mercy of God toward me.
Paola, Bergenfield, USA