INFORMATION PORTAL OF THE MARSHAL'S OFFICE OF THE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE Region IN TORUŃ

A ceremonial session of the Kujawsko-pomorskie Regional Parliament was held at the Impresary Theatre in Włocławek, serving as the main event of the official Region Day celebrations. Writer, journalist, community activist, local government official, politician, and former member of Poland’s democratic opposition during the communist era, Stefan Pastuszewski (pictured with Marshal Piotr Całbecki and Parliament President Elżbieta Piniewska), received the Honorary Badge for Services to the Region, awarded by the Regional Assembly.

The celebrations are accompanied by a carefully prepared programme of events designed for both residents and visitors, offering attractions to suit a wide range of interests.

The second distinction awarded by the Assembly, the Honorary Medal for Services to the Region, was presented to the leadership of the regional branch of the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society in recognition of its efforts to protect cultural heritage and promote the region’s tourism assets.

The distinction known as the “Head of the Staff of the President of the Kujawsko-pomorskie Regional Assembly”, awarded by Assembly Chair Elżbieta Piniewska in connection with the Year of Film People from Kujawsko-Pomorskie, was presented to the Lipno Cultural Society named after Pola Negri, Beata Kastner from the Culture Centre Theatre in Grudziądz, and Łukasz Oliwkowski.

The official celebrations began on Sunday, 7 June, with a concelebrated Mass for the residents of the region at the parish church in Kruszyn near Włocławek. Among those attending were Marshal Piotr Całbecki, Parliament President Elżbieta Piniewska, Vice-Marshal Aneta Jędrzejewska, Board Member Marek Wojtkowski, Regional Councillor Sławomir Kopyść, Włocławek County Head Roman Gołębiewski, Włocławek Municipality Mayor Magdalena Korpolak-Komorowska, Municipal Council Chair Zbigniew Reniecki, and Senators Stanisław Pawlak and Ryszard Bober.

The homily was delivered by Krzysztof Wętkowski, who spoke about the history and heritage of the region and the pilgrimages of Pope John Paul II. He concluded by quoting the words spoken by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Włocławek on 7 June 1991:

“Together with all those who have passed through this land on the Vistula, together with Father Jerzy, who found martyrdom nearby, I kneel before the Father and pray for the strengthening of the inner person, for all the sons and daughters of my homeland at the threshold of the times that have come—and those that are yet to come.”

These words were inscribed on a commemorative medallion unveiled after the Mass to mark the Pope’s visit to Włocławek. A special exhibition dedicated to the papal pilgrimage was also opened.

“Today, 7 June, on the day of our celebration, we gather in Kujawy, where 35 years ago an important chapter in the history and identity of our region began,” Marshal Piotr Całbecki said during the ceremony. “We are a community of people with different beliefs, yet we form one region, built on mutual respect, acceptance, freedom, and solidarity. Only through truth and authenticity—not superficiality, but through the strength of the inner person—can we build the future and a lasting community. Saint John Paul II remains a special point of reference, as through his teaching and example he showed us precisely this path. Today’s gathering is not only an expression of gratitude but also a commitment to continue building our community and our region.”

Established in 2008, Kujawsko-pomorskie Region Day is celebrated each year on 7 June, the anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s pilgrimage to Kujawsko-Pomorskie. The Pope officially visited the region twice: on 6–7 June 1991 in Włocławek, and on 7 June 1999 in Bydgoszcz and Toruń.

Beata Krzemińska
Press Spokesperson, Marshal’s Office

5 June 2026

Last updated: 8 June 2026