All the dioceses in Poland will celebrate “Pope Day 2008” this Sunday, October 12. An initiative with spiritual, cultural, and social character, each annual event addresses an aspect of the teachings of Pope John Paul II on the subjects of the “family of nations” and the “life of society.”

SIR reports that the Saint Nicholas Foundation and the New Millennium foundation of the Polish Bishops’ Conference are both promoting the initiative and have scheduled a series of events for the weekend.

This year’s theme is “John Paul II: educator of the young.”

The organizers explained that the theme emphasizes “the care of Pope Wojtyla for younger generations” and also communicates “the trust which the Pope placed in the young.”

An international meeting dedicated to the event’s theme is scheduled for Saturday. Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, will participate in the meeting.

The “Totus Tuus” prize will also be awarded there.

On Sunday Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz will celebrate a Mass in the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Krakow.

At the close of the event, Polish television station 1 TVP will broadcast a message from Pope Benedict XVI.