Rydzyk Rails Against Politicians at Jasna Góra Pilgrimage

During the Radio Maryja Family pilgrimage in Częstochowa this Saturday, Father Tadeusz Rydzyk lashed out at parliamentarians, labeling them “thugs in ties” while decrying secular university education and media influence.

Attacks on Parliamentarians

Father Tadeusz Rydzyk addressed pilgrims from the Jasna Góra monastery, comparing some faces in the Polish Sejm to “thugs.” He clarified that his remarks were directed at their actions rather than their humanity, urging them to do good.

Views on Clerical Pedophilia and Media

Rydzyk dismissed allegations of pedophilia within the Church as lies propagated by those attacking the institution. He claimed these attacks mirror historical totalitarian methods, emphasizing that while sin exists everywhere, priests are being unfairly targeted.

He distinguished his own media outlets from other right-wing entities, which he accused of accepting money for anti-family advertisements. He maintained that the Radio Maryja operations are sustained solely by his followers.

Criticism of Secular Education

The founder of Lux Veritatis urged parents to avoid sending their children to “Marxist” universities for journalism degrees, warning that such institutions produce liars. He promoted his own Academy of Social and Media Culture as the alternative for brave, conscious Catholics.

Past Funding Controversies

The Academy previously faced scrutiny regarding state funding for a media informatics course. The ministry eventually required the return of these funds, noting that the requirement for applicants to provide a certificate from a parish priest was a “curious violation.”

Pilgrimage Details

The 35th Radio Maryja Family Pilgrimage began on Saturday with events continuing into Sunday. The festivities conclude with a formal mass at Jasna Góra, led by the Metropolitan of Poznań, Archbishop Zbigniew Zieliński.