http://www2.polskieradio.pl/eo/dokument.aspx?iid=142638

All Saint’s Day in Poland

01.11.2010
Poland joins other Roman Catholic countries in celebration of All Saints Day, Monday.


"It's a good opportunity to reflect on the passing of time, of life and death,” Father Stanisław Szlassa told Polish Radio.

Families traditionally visit the graves of loved ones on what is a national holiday today to lay flowers and light candles.

A mass will be said by Warsaw Archbishop, Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz this morning at the church of St. Charles Borromeo and afterwards a procession will lead the faithful to Powązki and Wolski cemeteries.

The day has added poignancy this year as Poland will be remembering the 96 who died in the Smolensk air disaster, including President Lech Kaczynski and Firest Lady Maria in April this year.

Christians have been honouring saints and martyrs on the Day of the Dead since the second century A.D.

Police say the death toll on the roads, normally high over the holiday weekend, has reached 35 people killed and with 440 injured in 344 traffic accidents. (pg)