(ANS - Oświęcim) - In this year of the Bicentenary of the Birth of Don Bosco, the Salesian Oratory of Oświęcim is also celebrating 100 years of activity. The Oratory reopened in 2013, after restoration of the buildings in the basement of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. It is now once again a place full of life, on Sunday and weekdays, with many activities for children and young people.

A solemn ceremony was held in the Oświęcim Cultural Centre on 28 January to celebrate the 100th anniversary.  The attendance included Fr Tadeusz Rozmus, Councillor for the Central and Northern European Region; Mr. Janusz Chwierut, mayor of the city; other representatives of the local authorities; personnel from different works linked to the Salesian House of Oświęcim; benefactors of the Oratory and many Salesians. The motto of the occasion was "100 years of the Oratory in the Year of St. John Bosco"

During the ceremony Ms. Renata Jarnot outlined the history of the oratory. Fr Andrzej Policht, Director of the Oratory spoke about the situation of the Oratory today. The Salesian centre is a place where young people can spend their free time, playing and growing together.

The focal point of the festival was the conferral of awards on staff and supporters of the oratory of Oświęcim.  Original statuettes were presented to Fr Rozmus; Fr Dariusz Bartocha, Provincial of Krakow; President Janusz Chwierut; the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Seraphic Sisters. Other awards went to the Auxilium Choir directed by Fr Zenon Latawiec; the Salesian Cooperators and various collaborators who have been involved for years in the work of preparation for religious and national holidays, theatrical activities, the parish school and summer and winter camps organized by the Oratory.

The evening was crowned with a concert by the music group led by Mr. Piotr Mirecki, with songs of praise to God and in honour of St. John Bosco, followed by a celebratory meal. The next day, 29 January, the 100th anniversary of the Oratory and the feast of Don Bosco were also celebrated by all the young people of the Salesian schools of Oświęcim.

Published 12/02/2015