The history of the work on the portal of the Diocese of Rzeszów says “In 1985, at the invitation of Bishop Ignacy Takarczuk, Ordinary of the diocese of Przemyśl, the Salesians arrived in Rzeszów and undertook the pastoral ministry in the New City, in the parish of Divine Providence erected on 29 August 1985, separated from the parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The pastoral activities began in the barracks-garage purchased by the Provincial Building Cooperative. Here a temporary tin chapel and a Catechetical ‘Oratorium' House have been opened."

After overcoming many obstacles, the construction of the church, the youth house and the residential area began in 1990. The work, which was well underway, was suspended due to a fire in the scaffolding inside the church on 11 June 1996. The church and youth complex is a Monument to the Year 2000; the church was in fact consecrated on 12 November 2000 by Card. Józef Glemp, Primate of Poland".

The celebrations for the 40th anniversary were attended by 11 Salesians who worked there in recent years, in addition to Fr Stanisław Potera, who supported the construction of this work from the beginning; Fr Krzysztof Gołąbek, Dean of the  Rzeszów Cathedral Deanery; and Fr Jacek Gęca, SDB, current Parish Priest and Rector of the religious house.

The parish community expressed gratitude and joy for the fruits of the Salesians' work in the New City of Rzeszów. According to parish chronicles, in these 40 years 55 priests have served the parish, six of them as parish priest. During the Eucharist, thanks were given to God for the gift of this community, for all those who supported it with prayer, work and sacrifice, and for the many who still continue to do so. We also prayed for those whom the Lord has called to eternity, for the six priests who currently work in the parish and for the many people who have committed themselves to establishing this work.

In his homily, Fr Kaznowski recalled the importance of community, which helps to overcome oneself, encourages work on oneself in the journey of faith, helps to overcome difficulties, teaches patience and cooperation in the pursuit of the most important goal: salvation. The Provincial also observed the action of Providence in the arrival of the Salesians in Rzeszów, stating: "The Lord has chosen this place to listen to us"; finally, he dedicated the statue of Blessed Józef Kowalski, martyr of the Holy Rosary, which, together with the statues of Saint Francis de Sales, Saint John Bosco and Blessed Augustus Czartoryski, is now placed in the church.

At the end, on behalf of all the faithful, Janina Błażej and Tadeusz Kasza, two pastoral workers who collaborate with the Salesian community, spoke words of gratitude and assured a remembrance in prayer for all the Spiritual Sons of St John Bosco engaged in this Salesian work in Rzeszów.

Janina Błażej

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