From WNEP-TV: Local Polish Community Mourns Crash Victims

At Sunday masses, members of the Polish National Catholic Church in Scranton took time to remember the victims of the plane crash in Russia and to offer prayers for the people of Poland.

“Heavenly Father, we ask for your blessing on the people of Poland as they have lost their president, members of their government, we ask that You be with them and strengthen them,” said Right Reverand Anthony Mikovsky, bishop of the Polish National Catholic Church.

At Sunday masses at Saint Stanislaus Cathedral on East Locust Street in Scranton, members of the Polish National Catholic Church offered prayers for the nearly 100 people who lost their lives in Saturday’s plane crash.

Many parishoners share a heritage with the people of Poland and shared in their grief.

“Devastated. We were very devastated,” said Irene Jugan, president of the Polish National Union of America. “We’re mourning for Poland, we really are. That’s our homeland.”

Ninety-six people were killed when the plane carrying the president of Poland, his wife and many high ranking government officials went down Saturday in Russia.

They were on their way to visit the site where thousands of Polish soldiers were executed during World War II.

“It’s definitely a devastating tragedy. So many all on one plane. They were going to visit this site, again a site of tragedy back years ago,” said parishoner John Ostrowski, Jr. of Roaring Brook Township.

Many members of the church feel a connection to Poland and hope its people will be able to overcome the tragedy.

“We pray for those who have passed and we pray for those who have been affected by this and also for the people of Poland as they elect new leaders and move on in their journey,” added Mikovsky.

The president of the Polish National Union of America officially offered condolences to the people of Poland and offered support in whatever way it is needed.