On July 4, 1958, Father Karol Wojtyła was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Krakow. This decision was conveyed to him by the Primate of Poland, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński, who called the young priest to Warsaw, interrupting his kayaking trip in Masuria.
In the summer of 1958, Father Karol Wojtyła was spending time with a group of students near Olsztyn. During this kayaking trip, no one expected they would return with a bishop rather than just “Uncle” Wojtyła.
Notification of Appointment
Father Wojtyła knew he would have to leave the group to appear before the Primate in the capital. He informed the trip leader, Zdzisław Heydel. Together they separated from the group, which the future pope described in his book “Rise, Let Us Be on Our Way”: “First we set out in a kayak on the river, then in a flour-carrying truck, until we reached Olsztynek. The train to Warsaw left late at night.”
In Warsaw, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński informed Wojtyła of the Holy See’s decision to appoint him as Auxiliary Bishop of Krakow.
“Your Eminence, I am too young; I am only 38 years old,” Wojtyła responded. “This is a weakness we quickly overcome. Please do not oppose the will of the Holy Father,” Wyszyński replied. “I accept,” said Wojtyła, after which the cardinal added, “Now, let’s go have lunch.”
From Warsaw to Krakow
July 4 marked the anniversary of the consecration of Wawel Cathedral, which Wojtyła found significant. He prayed in the chapel of the Ursuline Grey Sisters in Warsaw and then traveled to Krakow to inform Archbishop Eugeniusz Baziak. The archbishop, jokingly saying “Habemus papam,” led him to the waiting room where the priests were sitting. These words turned out to be prophetic.
Wojtyła wanted to return to the kayaking group, but Archbishop Baziak initially advised against it. After conducting the Stations of the Cross, Wojtyła renewed his request, to which Baziak responded with a smile, “Please do, but be back for the consecration.” And so he did.
Celebration in Święta Lipka
The kayaking group joyfully welcomed Wojtyła. They went to the Sanctuary in Święta Lipka to give thanks for the new bishop. Memories speak of singing and dancing. “The youth bid him farewell by lifting him on their hands and carrying him to the car,” writes Father Piotr Sroga.
The consecration of Karol Wojtyła as bishop took place on September 28, 1958, at Wawel Cathedral. He was then 38 years old, the youngest member of the Polish Episcopate. He adopted the motto “Totus Tuus,” meaning “Totally Yours,” and a coat of arms with a black cross and the letter “M,” symbolizing the Virgin Mary.
Appointment as Archbishop
On January 18, 1964, Father Wojtyła was appointed Archbishop Metropolitan of Krakow. The decision was announced by Pope Paul VI, who personally called the Krakow curia. The solemn installation took place on March 8, 1964, at Wawel Cathedral.
Fourteen years later, Wojtyła was elected to the Holy See as Pope John Paul II. His episcopal period was extremely important to him, as he described in his book “Gift and Mystery.”
Care for the Seminary
“Every bishop returns in thought and heart to the seminary. It is a particular object of his concern,” wrote John Paul II. The seminary is the apple of the bishop’s eye, allowing him to see reality through priestly vocations. “The bishop’s joy is when God gives the Church vocations, and their absence always arouses concern and anxiety,” emphasized the pope.