The Marian Martyrs of Rosica

14 The Marian Martyrs of Rosica the face of the earth, of this land. How can we fail to thank the Triune God today for all that in the course of the last twenty years we see as His response to that cry! Is not all that hap- pened at that time in Europe and the world, beginning with our own homeland, God’s response? Before our eyes, changes of political, social, and economic systems have taken place, enabling individuals and nations to see anew the splendor of their own dignity. Truth and justice are recovering their proper value, becoming a challenge for all those who are able to appre- ciate the gift of freedom. For this we give thanks to God, look- ing towards the future with confidence. We especially give glory to Him for what has happened in the life of the Church during these twenty years. In thanksgiv- ing, therefore, we join with the Churches of the Western and Eastern traditions, with our neighbouring peoples we have emerged from the catacombs and are openly carrying out their mission. Their vitality is a magnificent witness to the power of Christ’s grace which enables weak men to become capable of heroism, frequently to the point of martyrdom. Is this not the fruit of the activity of the Holy Spirit? Is it not thanks to this breath of the Spirit in our most recent history that today we have the unique opportunity to experience the universality of the Church and our responsibility to bear witness to Christ and to proclaim His Gospel “to the ends of the earth”? In the light of the Holy Spirit, the Church in Poland rereads the signs of the times and takes up her duties free from the external limitations and pressures which were experienced up to a short time ago. How can we not give thanks to God today for the fact that the Church is now able to engage in a creative dialogue with the world of culture and knowledge in a spirit of mutual respect and love! How can we not give thanks for the fact that the faithful can approach the Sacraments unhindered and can listen to the word of God in order to be able to bear wit- ness openly to their faith! How can we not give glory to God for that many churches recently built in our country! How can we not give thanks that children and young people can come to know Christ in the tranquility of school, where the presence of a priest, a nun, or a catechist is seen as a precious help in the