(ANS – Wrocław) – In the early '70s a group of hippy students turned up at a Salesian house in Wrocław. These young people were unhappy with what society traditionally had to offer and were more attracted by the alternatives which in those years were associated with the “beat generation”. Fr Andrzej Szpak SDB dedicated and continues to dedicate his life to them.

In 1979 the core group of the young hippies became an autonomous part within the oldest Polish pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine of Jasna Góra . After three years however, the group was excluded and the youngsters had to find another way all their own. Under the guidance of Fr Szpak, the “Different Path Youth Pilgrimage” grew up and continues  to flourish after 34 years and involves a fortnight’s trek to the Shrine of the Black Madonna.
 
Following Don Bosco’s teaching, Fr Szpak has ceaselessly tried all means to reach out to the young  even the most difficult and distant ones, convinced that in each one of them there is a point which is open to what is good. The Summer Youth Pilgrimage always offers an unconditional welcome to the youngsters, each one unique and precious, with the freedom associated with the open road.

Many people were not convinced by the way Fr Szpak operated, and that is still the same. Some enquire about have many have been rescued from drugs or alcohol abuse or have found the right path to Christ or the Church. Fr Szpak, or “Szpaku” as the youngsters call him patiently replies that his aim is to reach out to the youngsters and bring them to Christ – symbolically represented in the picture of the Merciful Jesus which is always at the head of the Pilgrimage – and to His real presence in the sacraments: Reconciliation, the Eucharist and then in those of matrimony and the priesthood, which are celebrated every day. “It’s a grace cure” – he says. “It is Christ Who heals.”
 
Nowadays the pilgrimage has changed; but the need to find a reply to the most serious questions remains in the pilgrims. Those taking part are youngsters of different  nationalities, faiths,  religions, religious societies and cultures. It is a feast of colour, and many families with children take part.

During the pilgrimage in addition to the prayer and the sacraments, there are opportunities for reflection and cultural events: photographic exhibitions, youth theatre, song and “reggae” competitions and various other artistic expressions through which the young people show their joy at the possibility of seeking God and of having found their own pathway to Him.

Published 03/09/2012