Karnes Co. TX -  News - Panna Maria celebrates pope

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Copyright 2004 News 9 San Antonio (http://news9sa.com/)

Panna Maria celebrates pope
10/16/2003 10:25 AM
By: Jennifer Cavazos, News 9 San Antonio

The small town of Panna Maria, which is about 55 miles southeast of
San Antonio, is a large Polish community.

"Our parish has always been like a big family," Loretta Niestroy said.

People there held a special mass Wednesday evening in honor of Pope
John Paul II.

"The mass itself will be for health and welfare for the pope as all
Catholics pray for certain intentions," Niestroy said.

Thursday marked the 25th anniversary of his election. In 1978, Pope
John Paul II became the first pope chosen from Poland. So, people in
Panna Maria feel a special bond with him.

"This one is just very special. And the last 25 years he's been
there," Niestroy said. "And it's not just the Polish people. I think
most Catholics relate to him this way."

Choir members from around Karnes County voiced their blessings in
song, and others prayed for the Pope's health and welfare. Many
parishioners remember the pope's visit to San Anotnio -- a memory
they will never forget.

"To be able to see this holy person this close -- it was really
wonderful, a wonderful feeling," Rosalie Kotara said.

The pope gave some special gifts to the people of Panna Maria during
his trip: A gold chalice engraved with his insignia that's used for
communion and three hand-carved chairs that were used during his mass.

Thirty priests from across Texas attended Wednesday night's special
mass.