Fr Polański presented Fr Krzysztof Niźniak, SDB, a member of the New Rochelle community currently serving at Salesian Missions, with a commemorative gift marking the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination, celebrated in May 2025. The memento, crafted by young people with special needs from a school in the Wrocław Province, features 25 steps leading to the cross, symbolizing the 25 years of faithful priestly ministry. The gesture expressed the gratitude of the Province and the bond that continues to unite missionaries with their homeland.
On the same occasion, Fr Polański honored Fr Jan Bernas, SDB, with a special missionary award conferred by the Mission Commission of the Polish Bishops’ Conference. The recognition acknowledges Fr Bernas’ many years of evangelizing work in Zambia during the 1980s and 1990s, where he devoted himself to promoting priestly and religious vocations and forming seminarians and young Salesians. Among those he accompanied in their discernment was a young man who later became a bishop.
The “Benemerenti in Opere Evangelizationis” Medal and certificate were formally presented on 23 October 2025 in Pieniężno, Poland, during the annual award ceremony. The Salesians of the Wrocław Province received the honor on Fr Bernas’ behalf. Today, Fr Bernas resides at St Joseph’s Senior Home in Woodbridge, New Jersey.
The visit of Fr Polański was thus marked by fraternity and gratitude, highlighting the missionary zeal and lasting impact of Polish Salesians who, inspired by Don Bosco, have generously served the Church across continents.
