Cancellation of Polish-Language Masses Ignites Protest

June 17, 2001

Source: The Record

On June 17, 2001, The Record reported that 150 people "stood outside Our Lady of Czestochowa in protest...after [their] pastor, the Rev. Thomas Iwanoski, announced the [Polish-language] Mass would be canceled at the Roman Catholic church, saying the attendance had dwindled to 55 for the service...Polish immigrants...said the cancellation is the latest indignity in an effort to remove their traditions from a church that is now catering to wealthy urban professionals...Polish families founded Our Lady of Czestochowa in 1911."