Growth and Development

Over time, significant investments in construction were made to support pastoral and educational efforts, including:

• Completion of the Church of Częstochowa in Stradom,
• Saint John Bosco Church in Poznań,
• Christ the King Church in Wrocław.

Simultaneously, the beatification process for the Five Poznań Salesian oratory students who were martyred for their faith during World War II, was also underway.

Successive Provincials transferred several parishes to their respective dioceses, as the Province initially managed dozens of them. At the same time, new religious houses were established, and additional parishes were assumed, including those in Dąbrowa Górnicza, Sosnowiec, and Leszno.

As Poland underwent socio-political changes, new public schools were opened. Salesian school complexes were established in Wrocław, Poznań, and Tarnowskie Góry (the latter also serving youth with physical disabilities). Additional schools followed, including a high school in Lubin and primary schools in Lubin and Leszno. For some time, PLO also managed two orphanages.

Salesian Presence in PLO

Today, the Salesian community of PLO consists of:

• 2 pre-novices
• 1 post-novice
• 1 practical trainee
• 7 clerics
• 2 perpetually professed Salesian brothers
• 140 priests active within the Province
• 6 priests serving outside the Province

Pastoral Work and Youth Ministry

The Salesians of PLO are engaged in various activities across their 19 houses, focusing on pastoral care, youth ministry, and education. Most parishes integrate a Salesian pastoral approach, emphasizing the education and formation of children and young people.

Pastoral Outreach:

• 30 parishes in six dioceses, serving approximately 170,000 faithful.
• 3 public churches
• 1 Marian shrine in Twardogóra, recognized as a Minor Basilica

Youth Ministry Initiatives:

• 22 oratories and youth centers, offering Summer camps, Youth retreats & Formation programs
• Around 570 young people actively participate in ongoing formation within these spaces.

Educational Mission

The Salesians of PLO provide education to over 3,000 students through:

• 1 nursery school
• 5 primary schools
• 4 secondary schools
• 1 vocational training center
• 1 special education center
• 6 boarding houses

Special Apostolates

In addition to their pastoral, youth, and educational work, the Salesians of PLO manage:

• A retreat center
• University chaplaincy in 3 locations
• 3 chaplaincies for female religious institutes
• 1 rehabilitation center
• 2 psycho-pedagogical and family counseling centers
• 1 occupational therapy workshop for people with disabilities

Salesian Family in PLO

The Salesian Family is well-represented in PLO, including:

• Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA)
• Salesian Cooperators (SSCC)
• Past Pupils of Don Bosco (Ex-DB)
• Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB)
• Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA)
• Congregation of Saint Michael the Archangel (CSMA – Michaelites)
• Sisters of Saint Michael the Archangel (Michaelite Sisters)

Key Salesian Projects in PLO

• Among the most significant initiatives carried out by the Salesians of PLO, notable projects include:
• Missionary Volunteering Programs based in Wrocław and Poznań.
• Tarnowskie Góry Reception Center, offering support to vulnerable individuals.
• Ongoing training and specialization programs for Salesians.
• Child protection efforts: Prevention programs, Specialized training for Salesians and lay collaborators, Implementation of child protection policies
• Renovation of the Marianówka Retreat House.

Additionally, PLO hosts a wide range of youth animation programs, such as:

• Salesian Animator Formation School
• The "Oratoriadi" (Oratory Games Festival)
• The Provincial New Year's Gathering
• "Non-Stop Bosco Festival"
• Youth pilgrimages to Częstochowa
• Formation pathways for altar servers and liturgical animators

A Province Rooted in Education, Faith, and Youth Ministry

With its extensive network of pastoral, educational, and social initiatives, the "Saint John Bosco" Province of Poland-West (PLO) remains committed to the Salesian mission, empowering young people, and serving communities through education, evangelization, and social outreach.

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