(ANS – Miejce Piastowe) – This weekend the Congregation of Saint Michael the  Archangel (Michaelites) and the Sisters of Saint Michael the  Archangel, both founded by Blessed Bronisław Markiewicz and belonging to the Salesian Family will be celebrating the first centenary of the death of their founder. 

Blessed Bronisław Markiewicz a Polish priest who died at Miejsce Piastowe on 29 January 1912, had entered the Salesian Congregation in 1886. He later founded the two Institutes dedicated to Saint Michael the  Archangel – which in addition to sharing the Salesian charism and dedication to the young, profess a spirituality that is particularly linked to the virtues of work and temperance.

To celebrate the centenary the Superiors of the Institutes have planned a series of events and ceremonies throughout the year, which culminate in the main festivities this weekend. In the city of Miejce Piastowe, where Blessed Bronisław Markiewicz was parish priest for about 20 years a large youth gathering is planned  for about 3,000 youngsters from the two Institutes.

Tomorrow morning  Saturday 16 June, activities will begin with various talks and discussions on the subject of inner freedom. At 15.30 the principal event will take place: a Mass in honour of Blessed Bronisław Markiewicz, at which the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr Adriano Bregolin will preside – accompanied by the Regional Councillor for North Europe  Fr Marek Chrzan. In the evening in the square next to the church in which Blessed Bronisław Markiewicz is buried a large youth concert is planned.

On Sunday the same theme of freedom will be the subject of a public lecture and discussion “From slavery to freedom.” At 11.00 the Superior General of the Michaelites, Fr Kazimierz Radzik, will preside at Mass at which some Michaelite Sisters will make their perpetual profession.

In a message sent  for the occasion to the Michaelite Superiors, the Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva writes, “I appreciate your apostolate on behalf of the young entrusted to your care in Poland and in different parts of the world where your Institutes are to be found. I pray that the Lord may continue to bless your Congregations, which already have their Holy Martyrs, with abundant vocations of those who will continue to follow in the path marked out by Blessed Bronisław Markiewicz characterised by the great love he had for the Lord and for his neighbour, especially the poorest, neglected, abandoned and orphaned  to whom he dedicated himself totally.”

Published 15/06/2012