Auschwitz anniversary: Call to memory and hope

Auschwitz anniversary: Call to memory and hope

Vatican news

In the Polish village of Harmeze, prayer intertwines with the memory of those who have suffered and perished in the Nazi Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi concentration and extermination camp. Formerly “sub-cap” of Auschwitz, Harmeze now houses a Franciscan monastery and the St. Maximilian center, a place of prayer, reflection and education on the victims of the holocaust.

By Karol Darmoros

Harmeze carries the scars of history. In the spring of 1941, the village was depopulated and demolished by the Nazis, who established the Harmense sub-channel in its place. The prisoners were forced to support exhausting work in brutal conditions, working in large fish in fish in which the ashes of the victims of Auschwitz-Birkenau were often thrown.

Addressing Vatican Radio – Vatican News, Father Kazimierz Malinowski, director of St. Maximilian Center, discusses the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz and the lasting meaning of memory and love to deal with chapters The darkest in human history. “There has always been an awareness of the unique weight of this place,” said Father Malinowski. “This is why we, Franciscans, are here. The center was founded by deep gratitude to God for Saint Maximilian Kolbe and his canonization. Cardinal Franciszek Macharski appointed this place, which was part of the camp. »»

Center St. Maximilian: a victorious love sanctuary

Today, the center serves as a hub for prayer and spiritual formation. This mission will gain particular importance on January 27, when a mass is celebrated to mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz. Representatives of nearly 60 nations and international organizations – including monarchs, presidents and government representatives – will meet for commemoration at the gates of Birkenau.

Known as the sanctuary of victorious love, the center offers a deep answer to the question: “Where was God to Auschwitz?” Father Malinowski is thinking about this: “The answer lies in the testimony of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who gave his life for his compatriot Franciszek Gajowniczek. Thanks to his sacrifice, Saint Maximilian testified to the victorious love of God – a love that could prevail even in the face of unimaginable evil. On July 29, 1941, he made the ultimate offering of his life in the courtyard of the camp. »»

“Memory Frames” by Marian Kołodziej: art and reflection

One of the most poignant characteristics of the center is the exhibition Memory frames: labyrinths, Created by Marian Kołodziej, a famous stage designer and survivor of Auschwitz from the first transport of prisoners. It was not until 50 years after the war, after a stroke and partial paralysis, that Kołodziej confronted his camp trauma through art.

“Exposure can be considered as a dialogue between Kołodziej and St. Maximilian – a conversation on the values ​​and moral borders that humans should not cross to preserve dignity and humanity,” explains Father Malinowski. “This is a central theme of the exhibition, which resonates deeply with contemporary visitors.”

The display, which includes more than 40 drawings, inspires reflection on the modern manifestations of evil. As Kołodziej himself noticed, Auschwitz is always present in the different forms of hatred that always afflict the world.

Engage the next generation

The Center also presents new educational initiatives for young people. After visiting the exhibition, participants are invited to engage in structured discussions and guided reflections.

“Many young people leave the exhibition deeply moved,” said Father Malinowski. “From this year, we want to offer them the opportunity to come together immediately after to share their thoughts and emotions. By using specially designed educational methods, they will think about what they have experienced and the lessons they can draw for their life today. »»

Prayer and memory in Harmeze

For the future, St. Maximilian Center plans to renovate his stations in the Cross, initially brought from the gravel pit to Auschwitz. The center also organizes regular prayers for the victims of the camp.

A symbol of deep spiritual strength is the Notre-Dame behind the sons Figurine, sculpted by the prisoner of Auschwitz Bolesław Kupiec. “This figurine is the patron saint of Oświęcim families – those whose ancestors have crossed Auschwitz – and a recall of the spiritual resilience of prisoners”, shares Father Malinowski.

Thanks to prayer, education and preservation of memory, Harmeze remains a sanctuary of love. In this place, the triumph of compassion on hatred is recalled and lived.

(Tagstotranslate) anniversary of the genocide

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