Delegate Comstock Presented Resolution Designating

June 2, 2011 As Pope John Paul II Day To Cardinal Wuerle

McLean, VA - Delegate Barbara Comstock presented House Joint Resolution 734, which designates June 2, 2011 as "Pope John Paul II's Pilgrimage to Poland Day" in Virginia to Cardinal Wuerle at a showing of "Nine Days That Changed the World" at the Pope John Paul II Center on April 8, 2011.   

The resolution recognizes Pope John Paul II as one of the most important figures of the twentieth century and his role as a key protagonist in the fall of Soviet Communism.  The resolution also recognizes that just eight months after his election, Pope John Paul II returned to his homeland, Poland, for a nine-day pilgrimage that would change the world and helped to spark the transformation of Poland, ignite an epiphany, restructure the political landscape, encourage the Polish people to reclaim their country from the tyranny of Communism, and precipitate the fall of the Berlin Wall in November of 1989 and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond, which is also recognized and commended in this resolution, is currently hosting "A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People," an exhibition that highlights the late pontiff's history and commitment to the freedom of people of all religions and his relationship with the Jewish People and will run through June 1, 2011.

"Nine Days that Changed the World" is a documentary that captures this historic trip with never before seen footage of the Pope's travels and informative interviews.  Information about the documentary can be found at:  http://www.ninedaysthatchangedtheworld.com/

Delegate Comstock issued the following statement:

"I look forward to June 2 and the opportunity to honor Pope John Paul II in Virginia.  I was happy to have the opportunity to present this resolution to Cardinal Wuerle earlier this month at the showing of "Nine Days that Changed the World," a moving documentary about this historic trip which I highly recommend for viewers of all ages and all faiths.  Pope John Paul II was a central figure in the 20^th century in bringing freedom to people of all faiths and removing obstacles to religious freedom so that people of all religions might live together in dignity and peace."

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