Memory And Identity

The John Paul II Institute „Memory and Identity” has been operating in Toruń since 1 January this year. It was established on the initiative of Father Tadeusz Rydzyk CSsR, Director of Radio Maryja, and was established by the Lux Veritatis Foundation to ensure universal access to Polish cultural goods, maintain and disseminate national tradition and cultivate Polishness and the development of national, civic and cultural awareness. Together with School of Social and Media Culture in Toruń, it will carry out scientific, scientific and technical and educational activities based on the heritage of St. John Paul II.

The Institute together with WSKSiM lecturers, academic staff and students, as well as in cooperation with cultural institutions and public administration bodies supporting social and cultural activities will undertake, among others, research initiatives and shaping national awareness, including educational activities aimed at educating children and youth and shaping pro-civic attitudes for the common good among young people. „It will be work with young people and with the Nation. – said Father Tadeusz Rydzyk, Director of Radio Maryja.

The Institute’s tasks will include, among others, preparing and implementing investments ensuring universal access to Polish cultural heritage, collecting and making available archival and informational materials and supporting projects in the field of television, radio, film, multimedia, publishing, phonographic and photographic activities showing the cultivation of Christian and patriotic values in Poland over the centuries.

One of the areas of activity of the St. John Paul II Institute „Memory and Identity” is scientific research on the history of Poles saving Jews during World War II. It was undertaken after receiving many applications from the Director of Radio Maryja for sending information about Poles saving Jews during World War II. The result of these notifications is the Memorial Chapel, where 1059 names of Poles who lost their lives saving Jews are engraved on the plaques. However, there are many more applications received by Radio Maryja – about 40 thousand, and behind the names of heroic Poles there is a collection of documents – said Lidia Kochanowicz, Director of the Lux Veritatis Foundation.