"DUC IN ALTUM – GO OUT INTO THE DEEP" is a series of concert and educational events organized to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of St. John Paul II in 2025. The project was initiated by members of the Warsaw Choir of St. John Paul II, operating at the Warsaw Archcathedral. The co-organizer of three events—in Warsaw, Płock, and Siedlce—planned for October, is the John Paul II Institute. The project is funded by the Mazovian Voivodeship Government. The series refers to the spiritual and cultural heritage of John Paul II and his special ties to Mazovia. The concert venues were chosen for their particular connections to John Paul II's pilgrimages to his homeland. These are special places on the map of his pilgrimages to Poland. The Pope visited Siedlce on June 10, 1999. He came to Płock on June 7, 1991. Warsaw, meanwhile, was the site of his visits five times: in 1979, 1983, 1987, 1991, and 1999, each with a unique spiritual and social dimension. Each of the three concert-lecture events will be devoted to a different aspect of the Polish Pope's teachings—presented in an accessible and inspiring way for today's audience. The musical repertoire, including works inspired by John Paul II's teachings, will create a space for reflection, combining spoken word, spirituality, and artistic experience. The central point of each event will be the performance of selected parts from the oratorio "14 Encyclicals" by Mazovian composer Stanisław Szczyciński—a unique work combining diverse musical styles: from Gregorian chant, through Orthodox music, to jazz and contemporary idioms. Latin quotations intertwine with Polish interpretations, allowing for a deep understanding of John Paul II's message. The oratorio not only popularizes his teachings but also showcases the richness of contemporary sacred music. An integral part of each event will be thematic lectures conducted by outstanding experts on John Paul II's thought—cultural historians, theologians, and biographers. Each lecture will correspond to the message of the concert and serve as an introduction to deeper reflection on the Pope's spiritual heritage. ________________________ Program: - 18:30 LECTURE: "Receive the gift, become a gift – the vocation of woman and man in the light of John Paul II's theology of the body" Dr. Magdalena Siemion, philosopher, journalist, John Paul II Institute for Intercultural Dialogue in Krakow. There is a key that opens the door to a fuller understanding and interpretation of St. John Paul II's theology of the body—the key is the word "gift." Each of us carries in our hearts the desire to be loved, appreciated, and treated with respect. No one wants to be used or reduced to the role of an object. This deep desire is rooted in our nature, because we were created for mutual love, for selfless giving of ourselves to one another. This truth is the focus of the lecture, based on St. John Paul II's catecheses—"Male and female he created them," which serves as a spiritual compass in reflecting on the dignity of the human person and the beauty of human corporeality. - 19:45 ORATORIO CONCERT "14 Encyclicals" by Stanisław Szczyciński. Performers: Warsaw Choir and Orchestra of St. John Paul II Conductor: Dr. Zofia Borkowska Soloist: Paweł Szczyciński Piano: Stanisław Szczyciński. 🎉 Wednesday, October 22, 2025 is the liturgical memorial of St. John Paul II and the anniversary of the solemn inauguration of his pontificate. _________________________ The author of the oratorio is contemporary composer Stanisław Szczyciński, who, through music, introduces listeners to the world of biblical sources of papal thought. The oratorio consists of fourteen parts—each referring to one of St. John Paul II's encyclicals. The text of the work is based on passages from the Holy Scriptures, performed by choir and soloist in Latin and by a narrator in Polish. The musical layer draws on the richness of traditions and styles—from Gregorian chant, through Orthodox music, to jazz and elements of contemporary music—emphasizing the universality of the papal teaching's message. John Paul II's encyclicals, presented in musical form, cover a wide spectrum of topics: human dignity, mercy, the Church's social teaching, ecumenical and sacramental issues. Their message, rooted in the Church's tradition, remains relevant and inspiring for future generations. _____________________ The project is under the honorary patronage of Adam Struzik—the Marshal of the Mazovian Voivodeship, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, the Diocese of Warsaw-Praga, the Vatican John Paul II Foundation, and numerous media patrons, including Echo Katolickie, Radio Dla Ciebie, Radio Warszawa, Tygodnik Idziemy, Tygodnik Katolicki Niedziela, Radio Jasna Góra, Polska Press, Press Media, Gość Niedzielny, Faro TV, Katolickie Radio Podlasie, Podlasie24.pl, Katolickie Radio Diecezji Płockiej, EWTN Television, Radio WNET. 🆓 Admission to the event is free.
