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June 4, 2009
Ambassador Victor Ashe visited Czestochowa on June 4. He toured the Shrine of the Black Madonna guided by Father Simon Stefanowicz of the Pauline Order. Ambassador, as an honorary guest of the Order and its Prior, Rev. Roman Majewski, had lunch in the historic refectory with several hundred monks and priests. He took part in an unveiling ceremony in basilica and saw the monastery's treasury. Ambassador Ashe visited with Archbishop Stanislaw Nowak, Head of the Czestochowa Diocese. On this very day, 30 years ago, John Paul II visited Archbishop Nowak in his palace during his first pilgrimage to Poland as Pope in 1979. In addition this day marked the 20th anniversary of democratic elections in Poland in 1989, celebrated as a victory over the Communist regime and the beginning of democratic reforms. At Adam Mickiewicz High School No. 5 Ambassador Ashe opened a new multimedia room co-funded by a State Department grant. The school has developed a curriculum on American Studies for high school students. The Ambassador gave the school a National Geographic DVD collection on American government. He took some questions from students who asked him, among other things, about his diplomatic career and impressions of Poland. Ambassador Ashe visited the Main State Fire Brigade School in Czestochowa. He toured the school's facilities with Brigadier Lesław Dereń, director of the school. The Ambassador observed the school's team preparing for the International Fire Fighters Olympic Games in Ostrava, Czech Republic, which will be held later this year. The Ambassador addressed the school's student body and teachers and praised them for their skill and competence. (more photos)
