(ANS – Piła) – From May 21 – 24 The Conference of the Polish Provinces (KSIP) and the Special Circumscription of East Europe was held in Pila. On Wednesday May 23, at the invitation of the Regional Councillor for North Europe, Fr. Marek Chrzan, Fr. Miguel Angel García, a member of the Department of Youth Pastoral (PG), spoke about the situation of catholic and Salesian schools in Europe and the prospects for Poland.

Fr. García, who is responsible for scholastic youth pastoral in the Youth Pastoral Department, encouraged the Provincials and Provincial Delegates present – Fr. Zenon Latawiec, Fr. Jan Gondro, Fr. Stefan Makuracki and Fr. Julian Dzierżak, in charge of schools and past pupils in their respective Provinces – to collaborate in setting up network and teamwork in mutual support. Then, in dialogue with the Provincials, accounts were given of already existing work of coordination between Salesian schools.

Fr. García then presented the existing situation in countries which have chosen a organizational model of teamwork and dialogue, listing the opportunities offered by this set up: It encourages shared refection on relevant educational questions, especially in regard to the rapid changes in the situation; it allows discussion of  positions and good practice, and looks for agreed solutions; it stimulates reciprocal knowledge and the analysis of characteristics in the given region; it uses pastoral language and common cultural references to favour more effective schooling; it guarantees optimal use and a saving of resources in the Provinces; finally it activates a strong institutional presence in civil and ecclesial settings.
 
“It is evident that we are facing an opportunity but also a challenge for Salesian Poland”, Fr. Garcia concluded. “Work together to grow together” was the motto reaffirmed by Fr. Chrzan. It is a choice dictated by the wish to sustain the synergy of the Salesian schools, at an important time of rethinking and redirecting educational pastoral work in Europe.

Published 25/05/2012