Wroclaw (Poland). On May 12, 2018, in the FMA School in Wroclaw, Poland, the Feast of Gratitude was celebrated for Sr. Anna Swiatek of Mary Help of Christians Province (PLA).
Community Animators, directors of the works, representatives of the Salesian Cooperators, young people from the Province Youth Council, teachers and school staff, parents, children, and young people participated in the celebration. The theme of the festival was the “Journey of Gratitude” on which Mother Mazzarello and Don Bosco accompanied the first missionaries.
The feast began with the Eucharist at 10:00 AM in the Parish of St. Stanislaw, St. Dorothy, and St. Waclaw. The Mass was presided by Fr. Tomasz Hawrylewicz SDB, Provincial Secretary and by the Parish Vicar, Fr. Ryszard Szczypel.
The “Journey of Gratitude” continued in the school. In a family spirit and a very pleasant way, the first “missionary expedition” was commemorated, which gave rise to the growth of the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians 140 years ago, and now includes many new countries. Through narration, song, and dance, young people and children covered the 5 continents where Salesians priests and sisters have arrived, showing the richness of different cultures and the beauty of missionary work.
This joyful “missionary expedition” ended with the wishes of the representatives of the educating community. The good wishes echoed the first words of Mother Mazzarello “I entrust them to you”, which became the prophetic impulse of the “missionary expedition” in her life. The party continued with agape and games.
