Poland – Don Bosco is alive in Szczecin. Extraordinary Visitation 2021

08 November 2021

(ANS - Szczecin) - The Extraordinary Visitation conducted on behalf of the Rector Major by Václav Klement, Extraordinary Visitor "ad nutum" and “pro tempore", to the Province of Northern Poland (PLN), has reached the 25th community: the “Salesian Schools - Saint Joseph” of Szczecin, one of the four Salesian communities in this city on the border between Poland and Germany. During the last 30 years, this vast and remarkable house, an authentic "Valdocco" for the entire Province, has offered Salesian education to thousands of young people and brought them to an encounter with Jesus.

The community is made up of 8 Salesians aged 32 to 89 - a Salesian brother and priests - who together with 140 lay collaborators, including numerous past pupils, are present 24 hours a day among the young people here. Over 700 students of the Primary and Secondary school and 70 students of the Technical school, with specialization in carpentry study here. The center also has a boarding school that houses 200 students aged 12 to 19 – including students from other schools. There is also the "SALOS" sports complex (the Salesian Youth Sports Complex), which educates 600 children, a public church dedicated to Mary Help of Christians, various youth groups of the Salesian Youth Movement, of the Oasis Movement, of Altar Servers, Scouts, a family home for 12 boys and girls, and a carpentry workshop which, with its products, contributes to the sustainability of the work.

Because of the rich and multifaceted educational pastoral environment, animated by the Salesian Educational Pastoral Council - in which there are five Salesians and 20 lay people - this house has for years also been the first center from which the Salesian aspirants of the province arrive; and at the same time, many young people of this house participate in the vocational events of the Province.

In the various gatherings and talks organized during the Extraordinary Visitation, the lay people involved (parents of the students, teachers, educators, coaches and instructors) testified to appreciate the Salesian family spirit and the accompaniment of young people. Hundreds of young past pupils, some already educators in the work, are the best testimony to the popularity and strength of the Salesian charism in this city.

There are, however, no shortage of challenges, especially in the formation of young people in the faith and of adults as members of lay groups of the Salesian Family, while the profound social changes of recent years and the spread of a consumerist mentality also exert a great influence on the education of young people.

But the Salesian Family of Szczecin which revolves around the “Salesian Schools” looks to the future with hope and optimism, accompanying the young with the heart of Don Bosco.

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".