Although there have been many unfortunate stories of anti Catholic vandalism from Poland in the past year, it is easy to forget just how rich the culture of their faith is.
One example of this is the stunning Pope John Paul II garden in Inwałd.
Across 3 hectares, an image of the Polish Pontiff accompanied by St. Peter’s Basilica and a representation of the Holy Spirit and the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Wadowice, the incredible art can be seen from above, emblazoned with the words ‘Padre Santo’.
The portrait of Pope John Paul II was based on a well known painting by Arturo Mari, the pope’s official portrait artist.
There are over 20,000 different plants, trees shrubs and flowers all carefully selected, that make up this work of astounding achievement. Some of the paths stretch to as much as 8km each, with information on his life dotted along the route.
It refers to itself as a ‘living museum’ to the Polish pope.
Such a work of beauty reminds us of the unique place that the Catholic faith has in Europe, specifically in Poland, and the creativity that flows from it.
He said that he ‘admired’ Pope Benedict XVI.