For the occasion, the Provincial Fr Marek Chrzan, presided at a Mass attended by Fr Bolesław Kazimierczak, Provincial of the Salesians of Wrocław (PLO), Salesians from the Province and many others from the other Polish Provinces. Also present were members of the Congregation of Saint Michael the Archangel, part of the Salesian Family, the youngsters who at the weekend had taken in a formation meeting and the volunteers from the Krakow Salesian Voluntary Service.

In his homily, and referring to the prophet Elijah “like fire” the spokesman of God, Fr Chrzan, traced the 75 years history of the Province  recalling with gratitude some significant Salesians. In particular he mentioned Blessed August Czartoryski and Blessed Józef Kowalski, the Servants of God August Hlond, Rudolf Komorek, Jan Tyranowski, and the martyrs of the second world war. “It is up to us discover who like Elijah will nowadays point out the way to God along the paths of Salesian holiness,” the Provincial of Krakow urged.

At the end of the Mass there was a special act of commemoration during which there was a multimedial presentation of the history of the Province, and the orchestra from the Salesian School in Oświęcim and the choir from the School in Zabrze performed. Of particular interest was an account of the work of preservation of one of Don Bosco’s cassocks given by the saint to Fr August Czartoryski.

Other features of the occasion were the presentation of a commemorative book recording the 75 years history of the Province produced by Mrs Katarzyna Dumańska from the Krakow Salesian Voluntary Service, and the award of  30 study bursaries to young people from the Salesian houses in Krakow.

As a special mark of recognition Fr Mieczysław Kaczmarzyk, former Provincial of Krakow in the years 1976-1982, was given the “Mir” Award, created for the occasion of the 75th anniversary for the Salesian who had made a distinguished contribution to the Province. At the end of the ceremony  Fr Chrzan blessed the new facilities in the library of the theologate.

In the Salesian Province of “Saint Hyacinth,” set up on 16 December 1933, there are 220 Salesians, including 8 brothers, , 25 clerics and 4 novices in 27 works: parishes, schools, oratories, youth and sports education  centres and youth hostels. There is also considerable involvement on the part of lay people, cooperators, teachers, managers and youth leaders.

Published 17/12/2008