The young people, divided according to their different levels of formation, took part in workshops, creative and recreational activities, sessions on teamwork skills, liturgical singing sessions and meetings dedicated to their personal life projects. The programme was further enriched by activities such as the “Path of Light”, moments of integration, formation sessions and a joyful provincial celebration in honour of St Adalbert. On 25 April, the 150th anniversary of the Association of Salesian Cooperators was celebrated. This was a true family occasion, during which those present gathered to give thanks for their vocation to bring the Salesian charism to their workplaces, their lives and their daily ministry.
In addition, the anniversaries of the Religious Professions of some Salesians were celebrated; over the years as professed members, they have imitated Christ as “chaste, obedient and poor”. In his homily, Fr Itrych addressed the jubilarians and the young people who had completed their formation. “The cross is not a piece of jewellery,” he remarked, “but a sign of readiness to bring the Gospel.”
Subsequently, the participants of the Salesian Leaders’ School (SAS, in Polish) organised a gala, during which they wished to thank the Salesians for the hard work they had put into their formation. It was an evening of commemoration – as Fr Krzysztof Tomeczkowski emphasised – during which the young people were asked to remain united with St John Bosco. Consequently, there were plenty of moments of emotion and Salesian joy, expressed through shared dancing and singing.
26 April, Good Shepherd Sunday, offered everyone the opportunity to reflect on the universal call to holiness and urged fervent prayer for religious, priestly and missionary vocations. “We must experience the power of the Good Shepherd’s love in order to follow him uncompromisingly and radically,” said Fr Dominik Kruszyński during his homily, whilst pointing out that there are ‘thieves’ who steal our time and energy. Only Jesus does not steal – on the contrary, he multiplies the gifts he has placed within us, thanks to which we can recognise and fulfil God’s will.
The shared reflection made it clear to everyone that we are part of a community that listens to one another. Many young people wish to continue on the Salesian formation journey, because they see meaning in it and discover a purpose there. God loves us, and this experience has helped us to believe in this even more.
Jan Głowala, Young Leader (Animator) and Fr Damian Okroj
{gallery}PLN – Scuola Animatori 2026{/gallery}
