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Corpus Christi Parish shows the way
to rescue of Polish churches in Buffalo

Corpus Christi Parish shows the way <br> to rescue of Polish churches in Buffalo
INSPECTING THE WORK on one segment of “The Disputation of the Holy Sacrament” at Corpus Christi Church in Buffalo is Roman Kujawa. See this picture and additional photos in color online at www.ampoleagle.com. photo by Jaroslaw K. Radomski
There are a variety of emotional reactions concerning the status of churches founded by Polish emigrants in Buffalo and the Western New York area. Many parishes first were merged with other parishes and then closed, sold or demolished. Corpus Christi Church in Buffalo was on its way to closing just a few years ago. The Pauline Fathers came just in time for the rescue. Fathers Anzelm Chalupka and Matthew Wydmanski found not only the way to bring parishioners together, attract new parishioners, make the parish a strong Catholic center but also raised money for very ambitious plans of renovation and conservation of the church and the parish buildings.
The Pauline Order is widely recognized in Poland. “Jasna Gora” in Czestochowa, Poland, the headquarters of the order, is the destination of uncounted pilgrims coming each year to this holy place to see the famous worldwide picture of the Black Madonna – Queen of Poland and to pray. Czestochowa and the Pauline Fathers are the symbol of the successful defense of Catholicism and Poland in a time of complete disaster in the Polish Kingdom – invaded by the Swedish army which was occupying the whole territory of our country.

In Polish literature this time is known as “Potop” after the title of the novel written by Nobel Prize winner Henryk Sienkiewicz. The miracle of the last place of resistance – the Monastery of Jasna Gora with the picture of the Black Madonna had so strong a moral impact, that finally Poles woke up and stood together to fight for freedom. The King of Poland, who escaped abroad, returned and joined the whole country arising against the invaders. The picture of the Black Madonna is in each Polish church. The Pauline Fathers, in popular meaning, represent high devotion to Mary – Mother of God and defense of our faith.
The Polish churches in Western New York and Buffalo are in deep need of help. The Polish community has to work together with the Diocese of Buffalo to rescue those churches. Corpus Christi Parish led by the Pauline Fathers shows the way.
“The Disputation of the Holy Sacrament” (The Disputa) is a fresco painted on one of the walls of “Stanza della Segnatura” in the Vatican – the private library of Pope Julius II. It is one of the most famous works of a genius of the Italian Renaissance Rafael Santi. A copy of this unique painting is in Corpus Christi Church in Buffalo. It was painted on fabric, nailed to the wall above the altar, by Marion Rzeznik in collaboration with Gonippo Raggi. Corpus Christi’s painting is much larger than its original in the Vatican. It also differs in some detail.
It was, however, damaged by leaks from the roof, dirt and improper conservation.
To see it in detail I had to climb 30 feet up to the level of the painting, assisted by Roman Kujawa and his brother, both commissioned by the parish to restore the beauty of the painting. Upon closer inspection I could see a significant part of the “Disputa” was over-painted with use of colors different from Rzeznik’s original and many important and beautiful details were covered with layers of paint during improper “renovation”, probably in the 1950s. Cracks, leaks and dirt negatively impacted the painting as well.
Funding for the renovation of the “Disputa” is made possible by a grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (Corpus Christi Church is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places – thanks to the efforts of the parish and the Pauline Fathers).
On Sun., March 13, Swiatek Studios Inc. hosted a discussion on renovation of “La Disputa del Sacramento.” With the background of the scaffolding filling the altar and supporting platforms used for renovation of the impressive painting of the “Disputa,” Henry Swiatek welcomed all gathered.
He expressed the importance of the renovation of the jewel of artistic work connecting the audience with the greatest artistic achievements of Italian Renaissance, not only decorating the Vatican but also supporting the glory of Christianity. Deacon Michael Mckeating explained the theological symbolism of the “Disputa” and the importance of artwork as a way of expression of the most important messages of the Catholic faith.
Dr. Martin Ederer, specializing in medieval history, depicted the historic background of the Italian Renaissance, with fights for restoring strength of the papacy, rebuilding Rome and the Catholic Church.
Information, presented by Roman Kujawa, about the renovation of the “Disputa” brought out many questions from the audience, who wanted to know the details and methods of the planned work. The most important message was that restoration would lead to the presentation of the original beauty of Rzeznik’s artwork. It will require removing all the over-paints, making necessary repairs of the structure of the wall, the fabric and the picture, and finally protecting the painting with varnish.
Jim Serafin, representing the Friends of Corpus Christi, explained the importance of other work such as repairs to the church roof, the replacement of electric wires and providing proper drainage for the building.
It was also an opportunity to talk with enthusiasts of conservation of the “Disputa” like Jim Przybyl, who presented in the hallway of the church the pictures of Rafael Santi “La Disputa del Sacramento,” or with the pastor of Corpus Christi Parish – Father Matthew Wydmanski, who is planning the next steps in renovations, including the pipe-organs of the church.
COMMENTARY:
The great job by Corpus Christi parishioners make it clear that it is possible, not only to save the church from closing but also to bring back enthusiasm and faith in building together the Church. Good examples show the way. Polonia has to come together and work with the Diocese of Buffalo to present positive plans for rescuing and revitalizing the life of Polish churches. There is a need for a rational, public discussion about the condition of our parishes and plans of rescue for them. “Do not be afraid,” as said John Paul II to Poles.