Christ Bearer
reliquary of Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko
Each part of the reliquary has the following symbolism:
The cross-shaped with rope-design symbolizes the ropes that bound Fr. Jerzy’s hands and feet. It was formed into a cross; Fr. Jerzy was born on the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross. He would prove to be a super strong catalyst in bringing about the Triumph of the Cross in Poland, six years after his Martyrdom. Blessed John Paul II, referring to Fr. Jerzy, said: “May good arise from this death like the Resurrection from the Cross”.
The oval frame symbolizes the gag that was placed by the abductors on the mouth of Fr. Jerzy so that "he won't bark anymore". The floral design of the oval frame symbolizes the message of Fr. Jerzy, “a voice that could not be silenced” (Kotański, J.).
The red stones symbolize 3 things: first, the stones that were tied to Fr. Jery’s legs; second, his blood (red); and third, the symbol of the 4 Gospels that he adhered till the end.
The silver and red colors symbolizes the color of the flag of Poland and also the vocation of Bl. Jerzy: priest (white/silver) and martyr (red)
The brown wooden stem of the reliquary symbolizes the wooden club that was used to beat Fr. Jerzy.
The color brown symbolizes Fr. Jerzy’s involvement in the Solidarity Movement.
The oval wooden base symbolizes Poland, the beloved Fatherland of Bl. Jerzy. He said: “Our Fatherland and respect of human dignity must be the common objective for reconciliation. You must unite in reconciliation in the spirit of love, but also in the spirit of justice.”
reliquary of Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko
Each part of the reliquary has the following symbolism:
The cross-shaped with rope-design symbolizes the ropes that bound Fr. Jerzy’s hands and feet. It was formed into a cross; Fr. Jerzy was born on the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross. He would prove to be a super strong catalyst in bringing about the Triumph of the Cross in Poland, six years after his Martyrdom. Blessed John Paul II, referring to Fr. Jerzy, said: “May good arise from this death like the Resurrection from the Cross”.
The oval frame symbolizes the gag that was placed by the abductors on the mouth of Fr. Jerzy so that "he won't bark anymore". The floral design of the oval frame symbolizes the message of Fr. Jerzy, “a voice that could not be silenced” (Kotański, J.).
The red stones symbolize 3 things: first, the stones that were tied to Fr. Jery’s legs; second, his blood (red); and third, the symbol of the 4 Gospels that he adhered till the end.
The silver and red colors symbolizes the color of the flag of Poland and also the vocation of Bl. Jerzy: priest (white/silver) and martyr (red)
The brown wooden stem of the reliquary symbolizes the wooden club that was used to beat Fr. Jerzy.
The color brown symbolizes Fr. Jerzy’s involvement in the Solidarity Movement.
The oval wooden base symbolizes Poland, the beloved Fatherland of Bl. Jerzy. He said: “Our Fatherland and respect of human dignity must be the common objective for reconciliation. You must unite in reconciliation in the spirit of love, but also in the spirit of justice.”