Abstract

Data concerning the pastoral service of the Salesians in Oświęcim, Różanystok, Czerwińsk, Szczyrk, Przyłekow, Twardogora, Skrzatusz and Kawnice allow us to state that since the the beginnings of their presence in Poland had become custodians of shrines and centers of worship manano. They were seen as uniquely suited to fulfill this role. There they were entrusted with the places where - as was thought - the extraordinary events took place, interpreted as miraculous interventions of God. What seems really important is the fact that these proposals not only by representatives of the ecclesial hierarchy, but also by representatives of the
popular circles, which expected an attitude of understanding and respect from the Salesians of their religious experience.
They were especially seen as devotees of the Mother of God. All shrines, where them they were guardians, they emanated a Marian cult. Maria was honored with different names, but there had been always the title Mary Mother of God. The shrines had been, both splendid and long ones tradition, both of those who were just beginning to form because of the "miraculous facts", which
they came true shortly before the arrival of the Salesians. It looks like - looking from the perspective of the lempo - that it can be said that in most cases the brothers with an extraordinary participation and deep pastoral concern had accepted and fulfilled their
assignments. They rebuilt churches from ruins, built new churches and chapels, renovated They combined paintings, figures and objects of religious worship. They took care of the environments entrusted to them spending a lot of strength and means, because they saw us not only as centers of religious life but also the monuments of national culture. During this period there was also an increase in pilgrim movement. And this is also due to the fact that in some cases, after many years of