The standard, symbol of one of the older groups concerned,  was presented by the Past Pupils to the students who today attend the Centre. The standard, blessed 75 years ago on 25 November 1933, illustrates the important role played by the Salesian School in Różanystok.

Having arrived in Rozanystok on 11 November 1919, the Salesians were greatly appreciated by the Apostolic Nuncio of the time Archbishop Achille Ratti who wanted to have a ecclesiastical, educational and cultural centre in the eastern part of Poland. At its high-point the Salesian centre contained 35 Salesians (10 priests, 7 brothers and 18 clerics in practical training) and 400  boys who were being trained in agriculture, horticulture, metal-work, carpentry and shoe-making.

There were also extra-curricular group activities such as, for example, the Catholic patriotic group to which the standard belonged, and music groups and choirs which broadcast on the radio. Among other cultural activities promoted by the Salesians and the past pupils was also the Peoples’ University. In 1925 the Rector Major Fr Filippo Rinaldi visited Różanystok.

With the arrival of the second world war, and especially its aftermath the centre went through difficult times. To prevent the property being seized by the communist government the Salesians made it a junior seminary. However this plan did not succeed as on 30 June 1954 the government surrounded the property with barbed wire commandeered the buildings and sent the students and Salesians away.

In 2002 the Salesians returned to Różanystok and the following year opened the Educational Centre for youngsters entrusted to them by the juvenile courts. Today there are 120 youngsters who under the guidance of the Salesians try to complete their schooling and learn a trade.

It was this group of students who received from the past pupils of 50 years ago the standard which they had carefully kept hidden.

During the ceremony the past history of the centre was recalled, as with songs and sketches the present pupils showed their talents. In memory of the event 5 oak-trees were planted in honour of the 5 Blessed martyrs of the Poznań oratory, patrons of the Różanystok Educational Centre.

Published 02/12/2008