Father Karol Wojtyla’s First Masses on November 2, 1946

The day after he was ordained a priest, Karol Wojtyła—later St. John Paul the Great—celebrated three first Masses on November 2, 1946, in the crypt of St. Leonard in Wawel Cathedral. A few friends and his aunt gathered together with him in this crypt that contains the remains of several kings, queens, clergy, and artists. George Weigel writes that the young priest wanted to express his gratitude to those influential Poles who had a significant impact on his life and education (Witness to Hope, 81).