The May Bridge, from 30 April to 3 May in Krakow, saw the celebration of the Parafiada of the Pious Schools. This was the twenty-third edition of this annual event, organised according to the triad of stadium, theatre and temple. More than 200 children participated with their teachers, coaches and leaders from schools in Bolesławiec, Elbląg, Katowice, Łowicz, Poznań, Rzeszów and from the parishes of Bolszewo, Kraków-Rakowie and Kraków-Wieczysta, Łapsze Niżne and Rzeszów.
The sports competitions took the form of basketball, volleyball and football tournaments and two athletics competitions, or sea, cross-country running and ball throwing. The theme of the knowledge contest was: Polish Olympic medals in men’s volleyball, gold in Montreal and silver in Paris. There were moments of prayer during the Eucharist in the morning and during the Marian celebrations in the evening. One afternoon was devoted to visiting the beautiful old town of Krakow, although some also took advantage of the good weather and went to the city’s viewpoints.
The winners received diplomas, medals with the Parafiada logo and cups. The Fair Play award went to Mikołaj Naczk from Bolszewo, who admitted on two occasions to having committed fouls during the football competition. The cup and title for the best team in all three dimensions of the Parafiada went to the team from the school in Rzeszów.
We look forward to the International Parafiada for Children and Young People on 6-11 July 2025 in Warsaw.
Fr. Jacek Wolan, Sch. P.
