Dr. Jan Mikołaj Gładysz, who has been associated with the Redemptorists’ Marian shrine in Tuchów for over forty years, is this year’s recipient of the “Silver Flute” award, presented by the President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference (CEP). The award was presented to him on Sunday, August 2, 2026, by Military Bishop Wiesław Lechowicz. The ceremony was also attended by the Superior of the Warsaw Province of the Redemptorists, Father Dariusz Paszyński, C.Ss.R.
The award ceremony took place in the Warsaw Archcathedral, as part of the XXXIII International Organ Music Festival “The Organs of the Archcathedral.”
In the congratulatory letter from the President of the Episcopate, read by Bishop Lechowicz, Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda, SAC, emphasized Dr. Jan Mikołaj Gładysz’s contribution to the development and dissemination of sacred culture and music. Recalling the words of Pope Leo XIV, the President of the Episcopate noted that music “introduces us all to the experience of something new, something greater than any of us could create alone.”
“It is the experience of beauty. It opens a new horizon before us and awakens in us the desire to encounter it,” wrote Archbishop Wojda. As he emphasized, man, walking toward this horizon, not only discovers something new, but also encounters God, his Creator.
The President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference compared music to a path leading to its source. “Just as by following a stream we can reach its source, so beautiful music invites us to encounter Him who is beauty itself,” he wrote. Concluding his letter, Archbishop Wojda wished the award recipient abundant graces and further success, entrusting him to the intercession of Saint Cecilia, patroness of church musicians.
In his address, Bishop Lechowicz observed that “Sacred music, organ music, must serve to establish a profound, personal relationship with God. It should not focus on itself, but rather open the heart and speak to people about the Lord. It must therefore be at the service of humanity,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of harmony and unity, which, in his view, music can build within a community. “The more we live as a community in harmony and harmony, the greater our country’s security will grow,” he said.
Bishop Lechowicz emphasized that he was particularly pleased to be able to present the award to someone he has known for several decades, having listened to his music several times at the sanctuary in Tuchów.
The Prize of the President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference “Srebrna Piszczałka” is awarded for contributions to the development of sacred music in Poland and is presented during the International Festival “The Organs of the Archcathedral,” held in the Archcathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Warsaw. This year, it was presented for the 27th time.
Source: www.redemptor.pl
photo: BP KEP
