THE
MADONNAS
OF EUROPE
by Janusz Rosikon, Photographer
Presentation of Exhibit
at the World Youth Days in Toronto, July 2002 by author photographer
Janusz Rosikon
"It is a great honor for me that
the exhibition the Madonnas of Europe is in Toronto, and can
be a part of the moment when lots of young pilgrims meet to see the
Pope. The exhibition is shown for the first time on the American
continent, and from here it goes on it its next journey.
When on the 13th of December
1995, I've presented the project of the book the Madonnas of Europe, to
Pope John Paul II in Vatican, today's situation would never come to my
mind. From that day I've traveled 90,000 km, which is the distance
from Toronto to Vancouver times 30, and twice that by plane. In
other words I could make the tour of the world 5 times.
Out of these trips the album
Madonnas of Europe has been created. It shows a different Europe
from the one we know and see in press releases, news, etc. I crossed
Europe all the ways possible and everywhere those thousands of people come
to share their happiness, sadness, to thank and to ask, just to be closer
to Mary. That's what is the connection to all pilgrims, and that, of
course, not only in Europe, but also here, in Canada, where the sanctuaries
play a big role in the history of your country. Focus yourselves
on how do people show their feelings in different countries. In the
countries full of sun, people express their feelings by singing, dancing,
screaming, and the revealed joy. But how different that is when we
find ourselves in the cold and rainy places. People keep most of
their feeling to themselves; no matter if it's joy, or sadness, they pray
in silence. One is still common; they all seek the peace, security
and Mary's love. People always look for
new paths, but finally they walk on those, which already have been taken by
pilgrims, who meet from all nations for two thousands years.
The
album as well as the exhibition has for purpose to show the bounty of this
devotion and also its similarities.
The editor's
as well as my dream is to make the World
Madonnas, to include other countries like Canada, the
United States, and the whole American continent. With a great help I
have traveled through Europe, now I would like to expand that experience
and share it with you."
