Writer Mrozek to be entombed in new national pantheon

Krakow major Jacek Majchrowski signs a book of condolence for Slawomir Mrozek at the town hall. Photo: PAP/ Jacek Bednarczyk

Mrozek died last week in Nice on the French Riviera, at the age of 83.

The pantheon, which was given a symbolic inauguration in the autumn of 2012, lies in the crypts beneath the Church of SS Peter and Paul.

City authorities approved the concept of a new pantheon after space ran out at the crypt of the city's so-called Church on the Rock, resting place of cultural luminaries including writer Czeslaw Milosz and composer Karol Szymanowski.

As was the case at the crypt of the Church on the Rock, the new pantheon – which is not entirely finished yet - is reserved for outstanding figures in the arts and sciences.

Although it lies beneath the Church of SS Peter and Paul, the space was deconsecrated to allow for burial of non-Christians.

However, according to his widow’s request, Mrozek's funeral will have a religious character and it will be preceded by a holy mass in the church itself. The funeral is planned for the second half of September.

The decision to have Mrozek laid to rest at the site was taken unanimously by the pantheon's seven-person committee, which includes the archbishop of Krakow, the city mayor and the minister of culture and national heritage.

It was the writer’s will to be buried in the city where he had lived for many years.

Born in Borzecin, southern Poland, Mrozek attended high school and university in Krakow. He also began his career in journalism, cabaret and theatre in the city.

In 1990 he received the honorary citizenship of Krakow and six years later, having returned to Poland after over three decades abroad, he settled in Krakow and lived there until 2008, when he left Poland again for Nice. (mk/nh)

Source: PAP