The anniversary celebrations took place on April 18, 2026, in Racibórz. The first and most important part of the event was held at the parish church dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At the beginning, Mother Superior Elżbieta Bańdziak welcomed all the distinguished guests. The next item on the program was a brief historical introduction by Sister Elżbieta Cińcio, highlighting the founder of St. Notburga’s House—who is buried in this parish church—the first Marian Sisters in Racibórz, the benefactors, and the good fruits of the existing Work.
At 11:00 a.m., a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving began, presided over by Bishop Jan Kopiec. Concelebrants included the dean and pastor of the parish, Marian Obruśnik, and the Franciscan fathers: Father Eligiusz and Father Ignacy. In his homily, the bishop highlighted the social situation in Silesia in the mid-19th century and, quoting a passage from a speech by Father Hermann Schaffer, demonstrated the relevance of the message of the Founder of St. Notburga’s House. The solemn Te Deum concluded the Mass. Sister Radna Róża conveyed greetings from our Mother General, M. Sybilla Kołtan, and presented the Racibórz community with an icon of Our Lady of Good Counsel. Sister Provincial Superior Dagmara Kania and Sister Superior Elżbieta Bańdziak laid flowers on the grave of the Founder, Father Hermann Schaffer.
The next part of the celebration took place in the building of St. Notburga’s Home. In the common room during the agape meal, guests viewed a photo exhibition depicting the St. Notburga Social Welfare Home yesterday and today, and watched a theatrical performance prepared by the staff and residents of the Home. It was a staging of Julian Tuwim’s poem titled “Rzepka.”
s. Elżbieta Cincio