Here's To The Pope! New Lenox Brewery Starts Tradition of 'JPII Day'

NEW LENOX, IL — A New Lenox microbrewery owner has dreamt up a way to pay homage to a significant figure in Catholicism, while also honoring the Polish heritage—and enjoying a nice, cold beer.

Hickory Creek Brewing Company owner Gary Meyer has planned a weekend to commemorate the late Pope John Paul II, centered around the figure's birthday, May 18. Dubbing it "JPII Day," Meyer says it's not necessarily about Catholicism, but a nod to the life of Karol Józef Wojtyla, who later chose the papal name John Paul II.

"It's just a fun celebration of the Pope's life," Meyer said. "And really of Polish nationalism, as well."

Before becoming pope in 1978, John Paul was Archbishop of Krakow, in Poland. He was the first pope of Slavic descent, and at 58 years old at the time of his seating, was the youngest pope in more than a century, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

"We want to celebrate John Paul, because he was such an incredible pope," Meyer said. "He was so young and vibrant when he first became pope, he traveled all over the world."

In his 26 years as pope, John Paul traveled to 129 different countries to spread the faith, including seven visits to the United States, according to the USCCB website. He died on April 2, 2005, was beatified in St. Peter's Square on May 1, 2011, by Pope Benedict XVI, and canonized on April 27, 2014, by Pope Francis.

"No other Pope met as many people as Pope John Paul II," according to his biography on the Vatican website. "More than 17.6 million pilgrims attended his Wednesday General Audiences (which numbered over 1,160). This does not include any of the other special audiences and religious ceremonies (more than 8 million pilgrims in the Great Jubilee Year of 2000 alone). He met millions of the faithful in the course of his pastoral visits in Italy and throughout the world. He also received numerous government officials in audience, including 38 official visits and 738 audiences and meetings with Heads of State, as well as 246 audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers."

Meyer recalls his papacy clearly, specifically when shipyard workers in John Paul's home country of Poland were rising up against the Communist government. John Paul was helping from his papacy, Meyer said.

"JPII Day" will actually include festivities all weekend long, Meyer said, hopefully accompanied by warm weather and a chance to gather outside.

He stressed that this isn't meant as a slight to Catholicism, but an opportunity to remember one of the faith's most significant leaders, and pay tribute to his Polish heritage—all while enjoying some beverages and food.

He'll tap a special beer that day, a gratzer. A low-ABV, smoked wheat beer, it's made with smoky malt and German hops. They'll have a pierogi truck on site Thursday, May 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. An Auntie Anne's Pretzels truck will be there Friday, Pizza DiFarfalla Saturday and the pierogi truck back on Sunday, Meyer said.

They'll deck the taproom, located at 1333 S Schoolhouse Rd. in New Lenox, out in red and white, too.

"We’re going to decorate the taproom with a bunch of Polish flags," Meyer said. "There'll be a cardboard cutout of him, so you can take your picture with the pope."

Meyer knows some might be skeptical of the idea, but also sees it as a chance to bring people together and possibly start a new tradition.

"I’m not Catholic, or Polish, but I know a good drinking holiday when I see one," he said, laughing. "Isn’t that what’s St. Patrick’s Day is, and Cinco de Mayo is? Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day."

Like other days devoted to heritages, Meyer hopes customers will dress in the red and white found on the Polish flag. Weather permitting, they'll also have games like giant Jenga and bags outside.

"We’re encouraging everyone to wear red and white," Meyer said. "Let's see if we can get people out to enjoy themselves."

Find more details about the celebration on the brewery's Facebook page.

The brewery's hours are:

• Tuesday–Thursday, 3 to 9 p.m.
• Friday, 3 to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.
• Sunday, 1 to 7 p.m.