Following in the footsteps – towards the future

Wrocław (Poland). On 24 March 2022, the conference “In the footsteps – towards the future” was held in the auditorium of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Wrocław. This event is part of the journey, which began on 25 September 2021, of the celebrations for the centenary of FMA presence in Poland, that will conclude on 5 November 2022.

The FMA from the Provinces of Mary Help of Christians (PLA) and Our Lady of Jasna Góra (PLJ), lay collaborators in the educational works of the FMA, Salesians of Don Bosco, and young people were present at the conference.

As recalled in the opening greeting of Sr. Anna Świątek, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians of the PLA Province, moderator of the conference, introduced the meeting with these words:

“It is an attempt to return to history, to some of its scenarios, to recognize that the Salesian charism was not lost amidst the storms of change, but was growing and continuing to be a response to God’s dream: the salvation of young people. May leafing through the pages of history be an encouragement to discover the pages that follow. Let us then walk the path of this centenary with the confidence that by retracing the footsteps of the past, we strengthen hearts to be able to face the future”.

The event began with a brief moment of prayer, with the particular intention of peace in Ukraine and in the world. The Totus Tuus choir, made up of pupils and Past Pupils from the Primary School of the FMA of St. Joseph Community of Wrocław, performed the hymn “Fire, Wind” composed on the occasion of the centenary.

After a short introduction, the speakers of the Conference were presented with their respective topics covered throughout the day:

– Sr. Natalia Roman, FMA of the PLA Province, with the topic “Sister, educator, mother. Laura Meozzi during her years of service in the Polish province of Mary Help of Christians (1922-1951)”;

– Sr. Bernadeta Lewek, FMA of the PLA Province, spoke of “The educational activities of the FMA in Poland in the time between the two wars (1918-1939). The figure of Sr. Anna Juzek, a pioneer of new foundations”;

– Sr. Maria Maul, FMA of St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello Province (AUG), explored the theme “Fiat voluntas tua. The fate of six Polish FMA in the years 1939-1946”;

– Dr. Ewa Rzeczkowska, of the Catholic University of Lublin, spoke of the “Policy of the Communist government towards the Catholic school after 1947 on the example of selected Salesian schools”;

– Dr. Katarzyna Braun, from the Catholic University of Lublin, presented “The impact of contemporary reality on the growth of young people”;

– Dr. Dorota Sys of Varsavia developed the theme “The Preventive System – an educational method for the 21st century?”;

– Fr. Piotr Lorek, Salesian of Don Bosco of St. John Bosco Province (PLO) spoke on the “Opportunities and challenges of the Salesian educating community”.

The in-depth analyzes, presented in a concise form during this conference, are published in their complete version in the volume “Following the footsteps – towards the future”, made available to the participants. At the end, there was the possibility of a short debate and sharing of reflections on the presentations.

The event, with an academic tone, was experienced by the participants in an atmosphere of family and joy for the jubilee of the Polish Provinces. Caring for the past warms the desire to build a future conducive to the growth of young people.

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