|
HIS
FAMILY
|
|
Father
Karol
Wojtyła
|
Son of a
master tailor Maciej and Anna, born
July 18, 1879 at Lipnik near the
city of Bielsko Biała, Poland.
Tailor, from 1900 administrative
officer of the Austrian army, then
lieutenant in the Polish army until
his retirement in 1927. |
|
Mother
Emilia
Kaczorowska
|
Daughter of
a pack-saddle maker and refurnishes
carriages, named Feliks, and Maria
Anna; born March 26, 1884. |
|
Brother
Edmund
|
Born on
August 27, 1906 in Kraków,
physician, worked in Powszechny
Hospital in Bielsko. |
|
KAROL
JÓSEF WOJTYŁA
|
|
1920
|
|
May 18
|
Born in
Wadowice (Kraków), Poland. |
|
June 20
|
Baptized by
the military chaplain P. Franciszek
Zak. |
|
|
Lived with
his parents at Rynek 2, (now Via
Koscielna 7, apt. no. 4). |
|
1926
|
|
September
15
|
Attended
the elementary school for boys, and
then the prep years of secondary
school "Marcin Wadowita"
in which during all his classes he
achieved the top grades. |
|
1929
|
|
April 13
|
His mother
dies. |
|
1930
|
|
June
|
Admitted to
the State Secondary School for boys,
"Marcin Wadowita". |
|
1932
|
|
December 5
|
His brother
Edmund dies. |
|
1933
|
|
June 14
|
Finishes
the third form of Secondary School. |
|
1934-1938
|
His first
student theatrical performances in
Wadowice; during Secondary School he
is president of the Society of Mary;
first pilgrimage to Częstochowa. |
|
1935
|
|
September
|
Participates
in military training exercises at
Hermanice. |
|
December 14
|
Admitted
into the Society of Mary. |
|
1938
|
|
May
|
Receives
the Sacrament of Confirmation. |
|
May 14
|
Completes
leaving exams at Secondary School. |
|
June 22
|
Enrolls in
the Faculty of Philosophy (course of
Polish Philosophy) at Jagellonian
University, Kraków. |
|
Summer
|
He and his
father move to Kraków (Via Tyniecka
10). |
|
Academic
Year
1938-39
|
While
studying at University he joins the
"Studio 38", experimental
theater group founded by Tadeusz
Kudliński. |
|
1939
|
|
February 6
|
Joins the
Student Society at the Jagellonian
University (Eucharistic and charity
section). |
|
July
|
University
military training camp at Ozomla,
near Sadowa Wiszna for Polish and
Ukraine students. |
|
September 1
|
Second
World War begins. |
|
November 2
|
Registers
for the second year university
courses in Literature and
Philosophy. |
|
1940
|
|
February
|
Meets Jan
Tyranowski, tailor, a man of
profound spirituality, shaped by the
Carmelite School. Introduces
Wojtyła to the writings of John
of the Cross and Teresa d’Avila. |
|
|
Participates
in the underground theater directed
by Tadeusz Kudliński. |
|
November 1
|
He earns a
living and forestalls deportation
and imprisonment, as a stone cutter
in quarry at Zakrzówek, Kraków. |
|
1941
|
|
February 18
|
His father
dies. |
|
August
|
Receives
into his house the family of Mieczysław
Kotlarczyk, founder of the live
words theater (Rhapsody). |
|
November 1
|
First
presentation of Król Duch (The
Spirit King) by Jiliusz Słowacki. |
|
1942
|
|
Spring
|
Transferred
to Solvay chemical plant. |
|
October
|
Begins
clandestine studies for the
priesthood in Kraków's underground
seminary; registers in the Faculty
of Theology of the Jagellonian
University. |
|
1943
|
|
March
|
Takes the
lead role of "Samuel
Zborowski" by Juliusz Słowacki
making his first appearance on the
theatrical scene. It is also his
last appearance in the world of
theater (Clandestinely; they preform
in the house of a group of friends). |
|
Academic
Year
1943-1944
|
Second year
of theology studies. Continues to
work in the Solvay chemical
plant. |
|
1944
|
|
February 29
- March 12
|
Hit by an
automobile; recovery in hospital. |
|
August
|
Archbishop
Adam Stefan Sapieha transfers him,
together with other clandestine
seminarians to the Archbishop's
Residence where he remains until the
end of the war. He continues his
studies but not his work at Solvay. |
|
November 9
|
Receives
the tonsure. |
|
December 17
|
Receives
the first two minor orders. |
|
1945
|
|
January 18
|
The Russian
Armed Forces free Kraków from Nazi
occupation. |
|
Academic
Year
1944-1945
|
Third year
of theological studies. |
|
April 9
|
Elected
vice-president of the student
organization "Bratnia
Pomoc" (Fraternal Help) at
Jagellonian University. Serves in
this capacity until the end of May
1946. |
|
Academic
Year
1945-1946
|
Fourth year
of theological studies. |
|
December 12
|
Receives
the two other minor orders. |
|
1946
|
|
October 13
|
Sub-diaconate. |
|
October 20
|
Diaconate. |
|
November 1
|
Ordained a
priest. As on the preceding
occasions, he received Holy Orders
from the hands of Archbishop
Metropolitan Adam Sapieha in his
private chapel. |
|
November 2
|
Celebrates
his first Mass in the crypt of St.
Leonard at Wavel. |
|
November 15
|
Leaves
Poland to begin studies in Rome. |
|
November 26
|
Registers
at the Angelicum University. |
|
November 15
- end of December
|
Lodging
with the Pallottines in Via
Pettinari. |
|
End of
December
|
Together
with Fr. Starowieyski lives at the
Pontifical Belgian College in Via
Quirinale 26. |
|
1947
|
|
July 3
|
Earns a
licentiate in theology. |
|
Summer
|
With Fr.
Starowieyski he travels to France,
Belgium and Holland. In the area of
Charleroi he carries out his
pastoral activities with the Polish
workers. |
|
1948
|
|
June 14-19
|
Defends his
thesis "The Problems of
Faith in the Works of St. John of
the Cross"; earns a
doctorate in philosophy. |
|
Beginning
of July
|
Returns
from Rome to Poland. |
|
July 8
|
Sent as
assistant pastor to Niegowić
near Gdów. |
|
December 16
|
Earns a
master's degree in theology at the
Jagellonian University in Kraków
(1942-1946). Earns a doctorate in
sacred theology in the Faculty of
Theology at the Jagellonian
University with highest marks. |
|
1949
|
|
August
|
Recalled to
Kraków to be assistant pastor at
St. Florian's. |
|
1950
|
|
|
He starts
his publications. |
|
1951
|
|
September 1
|
Archbishop
Baziak puts him on leave (until
1953) to complete his qualifying
exams for a university position. Up
until now he served as a chaplain to
the university students (in St.
Florian's) and for health workers. |
|
1953
|
|
From
October
|
Gives a
course in Catholic social ethics for
the students of fourth year theology
at the Jagellonian University. |
|
December
1-3
|
Completes
his qualifying exams by presenting
his thesis on the "ethical
system of Max Scheler". |
|
1954
|
|
|
Faculty of
Theology at the Jagellonian
University abolished, this faculty
is then organized at the Seminary of
Kraków where he continues his
studies. Catholic University of
Lublin offers him a non-tenured
professorship which he accepts. |
|
1956
|
|
From
December 1
|
Appointed
to the Chair of Ethics at the
Catholic University of Lublin. |
|
1957
|
|
November 15
|
The Central
Qualifying Committee approves his
appointment as free docent. |
|
1958
|
|
July 4
|
Appointed
Auxiliary Bishop to Archbishop Mons.
Eugeniusz Baziak of Kraków. |
|
September
28
|
Ordained
Bishop in the Cathedral of Wavel. |
|
1960
|
|
January
|
Dissertation
published by the Academy of Sciences
(Towarzystwo Naukowe) of the
Catholic University of Lublin:
"Evaluation of the
Possibility of Constructing a
Christian Ethic based on the System
of Max Scheler". |
|
During 1960
|
First
edition of "Love and
Responsibility" (ed. by TNKUL). |
|
1962
|
|
April 15
|
Member of
the Polish Episcopal Commission for
Education. |
|
July 16
|
After the
death of Archbishop Baziak, named
Vicar Capitular. |
|
October 5
|
Leaves for
Rome to participate in the first
session of the Second Vatican
Council (October 11 - December 8). |
|
1963
|
|
October 6 -
December 4
|
Participates
in the II Session of the Second
Vatican Council. |
|
December
5-15
|
Pilgrimage
to the Holy Land with various
Bishops of different nationalities
present at the Council. |
|
December 30
|
Designated
Metropolitan Bishop of Kraków. |
|
1964
|
|
January 13
|
Papal Bull
for the appointment of Archbishop of
Kraków. |
|
March 8
|
Installation
ceremony. |
|
September
10
|
Leaves for
the III session of the Second
Vatican Council (September 14 -
November 21); at its conclusion
makes a pilgrimage to the Holy Land,
remaining for two weeks. |
|
1965
|
|
January 31
- April 6
|
Participates
in the work on Schema XIII, Gaudium
et spes on the Church in the
contemporary world (Ariccia,
31 January 31 - February 6; Rome,
February 8-13; Rome, March 29
- April 6). |
|
September
14 - December 8
|
IV Session
and solemn closing of the Second
Vatican Council. |
|
November 18
|
Letter of
Reconciliation of the Polish Bishops
to the German Bishops, containing
the famous words "We forgive
and ask forgiveness". |
|
1966
|
|
December 29
|
Episcopal
Commission for the Apostolate of the
Laity is established; Archbishop
Wojtyła is made President. |
|
During 1966
|
Present at
the numerous celebrations of the
Millennium of the Baptism of Poland. |
|
1967
|
|
April 13-20
|
Participates
in the first meeting of the Council
for the Laity. |
|
May 29
|
Paul VI
announces the next Consistory. Among
the names of the new Cardinals elect
is that of Karol Wojtyła. |
|
June 21
|
Leaves for
the Consistory. |
|
June 28
|
Consecrated
Cardinal in the Sistine Chapel, by
Pope Paul VI - titular S. Cesareo in
Palatio. |
|
September29
- October 29
|
First
General Assembly of the Synod of
Bishops. Cardinal Wojtyła does
not attend as a sign of solidarity
with the Primate, who was not
granted a passport. |
|
October 29
|
Reception
ceremony of the Black Madonna of
Częstochowa for the purpose of
visitation within the Archdiocese of
Kraków. The sacred image had been
held previously by the authorities
in Częstochowa. |
|
1968
|
|
February 18
|
Takes
possession of the titular Church, S.
Cesareo in Palatio, Rome. |
|
September
25
|
"Ad
limina" visit to Rome. |
|
December 15
|
Visitation
of the Black Madonna concludes in
the Archdiocese of Kraków. Cardinal
Wojtyła attends ceremonies in
120 parishes throughout the
archdiocese. |
|
1969
|
|
January 10
|
Official
address becomes the Archbishop's
Residence in Via Franciszkanska 3.
Up until that time he continued to
reside at his old lodgings in Via
Kanonicza 22. |
|
February 28
|
During his
visitation to the parish of Corpus
Domini he makes a visit to the
Jewish Community and to the
Synagogue in the Kazimierz section
of Kraków. |
|
March 15
|
Approval of
the statutes of the Episcopal
Conference; Cardinal Wojtyła is
Vice-President of the Conference. |
|
October
11-28
|
With his
return from America he participates
in the First Extraordinary Synod of
Bishops as a Pontifical nominated
Member. |
|
December
|
The Polish
Theological Society (PTT) of Krakow
publishes "The Acting Person"
(Osoba i cyzn). |
|
1970
|
|
April 5
|
Consecration
of Auxiliary-Bishops Staniłsaw
Smolenski and Albin Malysiak. |
|
May 27 -
June 2
|
Pilgrimage
of Polish priests ex-prisoners of
Dachau to Rome. |
|
May 29
|
Participates
with other Polish priests in St.
Peters at the celebrations for the
50th anniversary of the priesthood
of Paul VI. |
|
May 30
|
Participates
in the mass of Paolo VI. Audience in
occasion of the celebrations for the
50th anniversary of the priesthood
of Paul VI. |
|
During 1970
|
He makes
various pastoral visits to different
European nations. |
|
1971
|
|
Janurary 8
|
Convokes
the Preparatory Commission of the
Archdiocesan Synod of Kraków. |
|
Spring
|
Writes and
publishes in the diocesan bulletin
"Notificationes"
plans for a Provincial Synod. |
|
September
27
|
Leaves for
the II General Assembly of the Synod
of Bishops (September 30 - November
6). |
|
October 5
|
Is elected
to the Council of the Secretary
General of the Synod of Bishops. |
|
October 17
|
Participates
at the beatification of Fr.
Maximilian Kolbe. |
|
1972
|
|
May 8
|
Opening of
the Archdiocesan Synod of Kraków. |
|
During 1972
|
Publishes Foundations
of Renewal: A Study on the
Implementation of the Second Vatican
Council, which reflects his
efforts to educate the people of his
archdiocese on Vatican II,
(Published by PTT). |
|
1973
|
|
March 2-9
|
Participates
in the Eucharistic Congress in
Australia. Stops at Manila
(Philippines) and New Guinea. |
|
May
|
Visit to
Belgium. |
|
June 30
|
First
meeting of the commission of experts
on the Provincial Synod presided
over by Cardinal Wojtyła. |
|
September
26 - October 5
|
"Ad
limina" visit to Rome. |
|
October 5
|
Audience
with Paul VI. |
|
November
|
Visit to
France (Paris, Chamonix, Annecy). |
|
1974
|
|
April 17-25
|
In Italy,
participates in meetings
commemorating the VII Centenary of
St. Thomas where he gives a paper
(April 23). |
|
June 28
|
In Rome,
participates in the celebrations for
the anniversary of the coronation of
Paul VI and for the consecration of
Bishop Andrzej Maria Deskur. |
|
September27
- October 26
|
III General
Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
Card. Wojtyła, member of the
Synod of Bishops, is relator on the
doctrinal section. |
|
November
1-3
|
Visit to
San Giovanni Rotondo. (He was there
for the first time during his
student years and met with Padre
Pio). |
|
1975
|
|
February
8-9
|
First
National Assembly of Physicians and
Theologians, convoked by Cardinal
Wojtyła at Kraków. |
|
February 27
|
Gives a
paper ("Participation or
Alienation?") at an
international study seminar of
phenomenology in Fribourg. |
|
March 3-8
|
First
meeting of the new Council of the
Secretary General of the Synod of
Bishops. |
|
May 8
|
IV General
Assembly of the Synod of Kraków. |
|
September
19
|
Visits the
German Democratic Republic (DDR). |
|
December 1
|
At the
invitation of Cardinal Colombo,
gives a lecture at the Ambrosiana of
Milan on the theme "The
rights of the Human Being in the
light of the recent Synod of Bishops". |
|
1976
|
|
March 7-13
|
Gives the
spiritual exercises at the Vatican,
in the presence of Pope Paul VI, the
meditations from which have been
published as A Sign of
Contradiction. He returns to
Kraków on the 16th of March. |
|
March 27
|
Attends
congress at the Gregorian University
of Rome. He gives the introduction
on the phenomenolgy of action. |
|
April 1
|
Gives two
papers at cultural meetings and at
the Angelicum, in Rome. |
|
July 23 -
September 5
|
Visit to
the United States and Canada. |
|
September 8
|
Rome,
Genova: at a philosophy conference
delivers lecture entitled "Theory
- Praxis: a human and Christian
topic". |
|
November 22
|
Card. Wojtyła
presides over the Polish delegation
at the international conference in
Rome for the preparations of the new
Apostolic Constitution for
Ecclesiastical Studies. |
|
1977
|
|
March 1-15
|
Participates
(presides during the absence of
Card. Seper) at the third meeting of
the Council of the Secretary General
of the Synod of Bishops. |
|
March 18
|
Gives a
lecture entitled "The
Problem of Creating Culture Through
Human Praxis" at Sacred
Heart University of Milan. |
|
June 23
|
Receives a
doctorate "honoris causa"
from Johannes Guttenberg University,
Mainz. |
|
July 1
|
Lecture at
the "Centre du Dialogue"
in Paris; at Osny, near Paris, he
presides at a meeting for Polish
Catholics. |
|
September
30 - October 29
|
IV General
Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Is
elected to the Council of the
Secretary General of the Synod on
the 24th of October. |
|
1978
|
|
March 12-17
|
Working
sessions at the Congregation for
Seminaries and Institutes of Study.
During this same time he is present
at the ceremony in which the pallium
is conferred to Archbishop Tomašek. |
|
May 16-19
|
Session of
the Council of the Secretary General
of the Synod of Bishops. |
|
June 21
|
Lecture on
"Love and Marriage" at the
Centro Internazionale Studi
Famiglia (CISF) meeting on the
occasion of the 10th anniversary of Humanae
Vitae. |
|
August
11-12
|
Present at
the funeral of Paul VI. |
|
August 25
|
Conclave
begins. |
|
August 26
|
John Paul I
(Albino Luciani) is elected Pope. |
|
August 30
|
John Paul I
receives Cardinals and Card.
Wojtyła in private audience; 3
September, he is present at the
inauguration ceremony of the
pontificate of John Paul I. |
|
September
19-25
|
Visits the
Federal Republic of Germany with
Cardinal Primate Stefan
Wyszyński and the Bishops of
Stroba and Rubin. |
|
October 3-4
|
Leaves for
the funeral of Pope John Paul I. |
|
October 14
|
Conclave
begins. |
|
October 16
|
Cardinal
Karol Wojtyła is elected 264th
Pope at approximately 5:15 p.m. He
is the 263rd Successor of
Peter. |
