Krakow, Poland - November 2023 - A meeting of the Principals and Vice-Principals of Salesian Schools in Krakow Province (PLS) took place on 3 and 4 November. The event began with the Eucharist in Markowa, where all the principals entrusted young people and teachers from their schools to the Blessed Family Ulma. After Holy Mass, everyone went to the Museum of the Poles who Saved the Jews, where they had the opportunity to learn about the stories of families from the Podkarpacie region who saved Jews during World War II, risking their lives. Above all, they were able to learn about the heroic story of the Blessed Ulma family, brutally murdered by the Germans for trying to save Jews. After the spiritual part of the meeting, group meetings were held on the situation of Salesian schools, where the participants exchanged experiences and talked about the cooperation of school principals with the Governing Body.

Photo: PLS Archive

Debrzno, Poland - November 2023 - The celebration of National Independence Day in Poland has taken different forms for many years. On 11 November, young people from the Salesian Province of Piła (PLN) gathered in Debrzno for the 2nd Provincial Mixed Team Volleyball Tournament. The event began with Holy Mass presided by Fr Roberta Sierota SDB, while the homily was delivered by Fr Damian Okroj SDB. The competition in the sports hall at the Debrzno primary school began with the singing of the national anthem Mazurek Dąbrowskiego and the explanation of the rules of the game. The six teams, representing Aleksandrów Kujawski (Boarding School and Oratory), the Dominiczek Oratory from Bydgoszcz (two teams), the Oratory of St John Bosco from Debrzno, the Oratory of the Blessed Oratorians of Poznan from Ląd and the Oratory of St Michael the Archangel from Rumia, competed according to the "all and each" system. Already the opening match between the Aleksandrów Kujawski and Bydgoszcz I teams showed that the youngsters' volleyball skills were of a good level. Throughout the match day, it could be seen that the players did not spare themselves on the court. There was no lack of service aces, double blocks and spectacular last balls that led to a point. Many thanks for organising the tournament go to SL SALOS Debrzno and the St. John Bosco Oratory in Debrzno.

Krakow, Poland - November 2023 - A meeting of the Salesians from all four Polish Provinces in their Quinquennium took place from 16 to 18 November at the Salesian Seminary in Krakow, Krakow Province (PLS). Participating were 50 young Salesians who until a few years ago were students of theology, and who now work in various Salesian presences. Several special guests were invited as speakers, including from the Dominican Information Centre on New Religious Movements and Sects, who addressed the difficult topic of sects in the Church. The other guest was Bishop Damian Muskus, Franciscan, Auxiliary Bishop of Krakow, who addressed the topic of "Crisis in the Priesthood". It was a time of common prayer, reflection, sharing of experiences and fraternity that strengthened their further journey of priestly vocation with the protection of Don Bosco and Mary Help of Christians.

Foto: Archivio di PLS

Poznań, Poland - November 2023 - The Salesian Oratory in Poznań, in the Province of Poland-Wrocław (PLO), welcomed over the weekend of 11-12 November more than 300 young leaders who came for a formation meeting focused on  "A dream come true". On the first day, the young people performed traditional dances, accompanied by music played by the Salesian Sound System group. They then experienced a special moment with evening prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The following day, the young people were able to participate in interesting thematic round tables, such as an evangelisation meeting - for those attending the Oratory for the first time; a biblical meeting, or a missionary and patriotic one, as it was the anniversary of Poland's independence. Fr Bartłomiej Polański, Superior of the PLO Province, preached the Word of God during the midday Eucharist and welcomed the service of an acolyte, Norbert Rosiński SDB. A strong accent of community unity was given, finally, with the procession with the flags from each oratory, patriotic songs and the classical national dance.

(ANS – León) – On Saturday 4 November 2023, the Niños Don Bosco Project (PNDB) celebrated the 80th anniversary of the arrival of the first Polish refugees in Santa Rosa Plan de Ayala, near Léon, in the Mexican state of Guanajuato. The event included an elaborate ceremony, with several significant moments and several inaugurations attended by a total of more than 130 people.

Piła, Poland - November 2023 - On 4 November 2023, Piła once again became a centre of Salesian sport. This time the occasion was the 19th Inspectorial Futsal Tournament for Altar Boys, which was attended by 24 communities registered for the competition, with over 300 people taking part. The event began in the Church of the Holy Family, with Holy Mass presided by Fr Jakub Marek, SDB, Provincial Delegate. After the Eucharist, the competitions began, divided by age group, in six major sports facilities. The competitions were exciting, and some matches in the final phase were only decided on penalties. For one Salesian it was a great joy and no small surprise to see his boys playing in the final phase.

Fr Krzysztof Tomeczkowski SDB

photo by Oliwia Woźniak