The University of St. Thomas is hosting “The Seige on Poland,” an exclusive commemorative exhibit examining the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II. UST invited Robert Rusiecki, Consul General at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Houston, to share a reflection on the effects of WWII on Poland.

“People ask why we talk about history and we do that for many reasons,” Rusiecki said. “We talk about history to translate past events to present times, to gain a knowledge of other cultures and to avoid the mistakes done by our forefathers.”

John Hittinger, professor of philosophy and director of the John Paul II Studies program, also shared a reflection, tying “the Seige on Poland” to the experience St. John Paul II and its impact on the Catholic Church.

“Great love for St. John Paul II led me to learn about Poland as he spoke of his various experiences growing up in Poland,” Hittinger said. “His quotes from Polish writers showed there was something about Poland that informed his character, and as I have visited many times I do see how important Poland is to appreciating who JPII was and what he still has to offer the world.”

The exhibit will be on display from Tuesday through Friday, Sept. 24 - 27 in the Art Gallery, 3907 Yoakum Blvd.