“1050 years ago, the first cross was erected on Polish soil as a sign of victory over sin and death”. This was written by the Polish Bishops in a message, in the run-up to the anniversary of the Christianisation of the country, wanted by Prince Mieszko I of Poland in 966. Pointing out that Christianity enabled Poland to join the “world of Latin culture” and the “community of Christian peoples”, the prelates emphasised the importance of the celebrations for the Millennium of Christianity in Poland in 1966, which “made the papacy of St John Paul II, Solidarnosc and the re-conquest of national sovereignty in 1989, possible”. “The experience of faith was translated into moral attitudes, as also visible in the economic, political and cultural spheres”, write the Bishops, who say that one of the fruits of Polish Christianity is “the country’s joining the community of the nations of Europe”. The message, which will be read in the Polish Churches on Sunday 22nd November, emphasises the fact that the 1050th anniversary of Christianity in the country will be celebrated as part of the Holy Year of Mercy and is a foretaste of the entire Polish nation’s submission to Christ, King of the Universe, a deed that will be celebrated on 19th November 2016 in the sanctuary of Lagiewniki, in Cracow. The Bishops hope the year of the anniversary will be a “time to strengthen the bond with the Virgin, Mother of the Church and our Mother”, and a “time of cheerful hope for the young people who will meet Pope Francis at the WYD in Cracow”.