Today, 46 years ago, on June 10, 1979 (Lunar Calendar, May 16, 1979), the Pope performed Mass in Poland for millions. Polish Catholics welcomed the Pope on June 10, 1979, when Pope John Paul II performed Mass for one million, thus ending his unprecedented 109 day trip to Poland, his native country. It was the first time that the Pope visited a communist country that advocated atheism. In the preaching of this day, the Pope did not talk about some political issues. In his speech he urged the Polish people, "to strengthen themselves with the power of faith." The Mass of this day was commemorating the Polish patron saint St. Lawrence. Because the government did not allow the Pope to visit on the day of the anniversary of the saints, therefore, the Polish Catholic