(ANS – Krakow) – Between 10 and 12 May, about 1000 young people from Salesian centres all over Poland took part in the 21st annual celebration of “Savionalia”.  There were participants also from the Salesian communities of the Latin Rite in Ukraine, which, since September 2012, belong to the province of Krakow (PLS). This event is organized each year by the PLS Province to commemorate St Dominic Savio in festive style. It is held at the house of the students of theology in Krakow.

The motto for this year’s festival was inspired by the theme of this second year of preparation for the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco: “Education is a matter of the heart.” The young people took part in different events: a theatre and cinema festival with workshops for actors; a Bosco Photo exhibition; games for children; competitions based on the dreams of Don Bosco; dance; group work etc. There were also occasions of prayer: Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, confessions, a prayer vigil on the theme “God as Educator”, and the traditional Salesian “Good night” to mark the end of the day.
 
Youthful music groups performed on a stage specially erected in the playground. The main attraction, on the evening of Saturday 11 May, was a concert given by the group “Strona B”, which was streamed on the provincial website.

Sunday 12 May, Feast of the Ascension and the last day of the festival, opened with Morning Prayer and some missionary activities in the park devoted to developmental education.

During the Mass, a mandate was given to volunteer missionaries about to depart. The Vice-Provincial, Fr Adam Paszek, was main celebrant. In his homily he referred to the liturgical feast and pointed to Dominic Savio as a model for all who want to reach heaven.
 
Savionalia 2013 ended with the presentation of prizes to the winners of the various competitions.

Published 17/05/2013