GIFT OF SANCTUARY LAMP MADE BY POLISH SOLDIERS
On 3rd May 1941 there were celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the Polish Constitution, and also of Our Lady, Queen of Poland, in St John’s RC Church in Perth.
There was a ceremonial dedication and transfer of the a Sanctuary Lamp to St John’s. The Sanctuary lamp was made by craftsmen of the Polish Army. An example of wrought work in brass and bronze. It was surmounted by a crown supported originally by two bands of finely wrought Polish eagles. Suspended from the base is a ball which bears the inscription “Polonia Semper Fidelis”. It was made by the tank company of the 1st Corps Recce Group, based in Perth.
In a letter addressed to General Kukiel, Commander of I Corps, the Bishop of Dunkeld, John Toner, thanked the soldiers of the Recce Gp for this beautiful gift that is an expression of love and devotion to the religion of the Polish nation.
The Bishop expressed his admiration and appreciation for such a beautiful, artistic work and his pastoral blessing for Polish soldiers in the whole diocese.
In response, General Kukiel sent a letter to the Bishop of Dunkeld stating that the Poles are grateful for the Bishop’s words of appreciation and express their deep gratitude for the blessings given to them.
Perthshire Advertiser 3 May 1941, Dziennik Żołnierza, 8 May 1941 and 19 June 1941
NOTE:
The sanctuary lamp was originally suspended from the centre of the main arch in St John’s, over the central tabernacle. When alternations were made to the sanctuary after Vatican II the tabernacle we transferred to its present position in the side chapel and part of the sanctuary lamp – consisting of a crown suspended from chains – was removed.
At the end of the war, on the Feast of Corpus Christi, the Polish President, Władysław Raczkiewicz, and General Kukiel joined the Polish soldiers and Polish exiles in Great Britain for High Mass, celebrated by Bishop Jozeph Gawlina at an altar erected on the Fair City’s North Inch.
It was said that this was the first time since the sixteenth century that High Mass had been celebrated in the open air. A service of intercession for victory concluded the proceedings.
20th June 1946