Fr Paweł Sufleta, in charge of the Salesian oratory in Ełk, received an award in the “exemplary behaviour” category. Fr Paweł Sufleta is well-known to the people for his work on behalf of the young, for his efforts at promoting sport and culture, for his ability to get close to the more difficult youngsters and to organise meetings, competitions and cultural trips. “Fr Paweł works hard for the young; the oratory is his whole life. We decided to put him forward for the White Lily award to thank him for the time he devotes to us”, the youngsters from the oratory wrote in their letter recommending Fr Stuleta as a candidate.

Present at the ceremony were the Mayor  of Ełk, members of the town council and local MPs. The “White Lily” award a mark of admiration and gratitude by the local council  is presented in various categories: promoter of sport, sports person of the year, promoter of culture, artistic award, ambassador of Ełk, business person of the year, exemplary behaviour and special award.

Ełk is a town with 60 thousand inhabitants in a poor area in the  north-east of Poland. In 1984 the Bishop of Olsztyn set up a parish and entrusted it to the Salesians. Today there are 7 Salesians working there in the parish and oratory/youth centre .

In accepting the “White Lily,” Fr Sufleta observed that the award though given to one person goes to all those  who are working in the oratory and keep it alive. The local authorities expressed their deep gratitude to Fr Sufleta for the work he does for the youngsters in the town.

Published 15/12/2008