“Śląsk” Visits South Texas
Christmas 2008

by Rev. Monsignor Franciszek Kurzaj 
 "Father Frank"
 

The 2008 Christmas visit of the 60 singers and musicians, members of the internationally known Stanisław Hadyna Song and Dance Ensemble, “Śląsk,” was one of the most important events in the history of the relationship between Texas and Silesia, Poland.  The visit solidified previous attempts in the cultural exchange between Texas and Silesia as well as opened new horizons in expanding contacts between these two great regions in the world.  Without a doubt, the artists not only entertained people but also evoked in them a love for the Old Country and helped them gain a greater appreciation for the Silesian culture.

            Through the generosity of many Texans, the guests from Silesia were also able to learn about Texas.  They visited the Alamo and the missions, rode a barge on the San Antonio River, and sampled some fine Texan food.  They talked to local people, posed for photographs, and enjoyed the cactus and cows when driving through Texas.  They especially took joy in visiting and performing for the people in the nursing homes where many Texans still speak the old Silesian dialect.

            December 24 – The artists enjoyed the traditional Polish Wigilia – Christmas Eve dinner.  They were hosted by the Seraphic Sisters of San Antonio, Texas.  A mushroom soup, fish entrée, poppy seed cake, and all the other standard delicious foods so significant to this evening were served.  The dinner began with the traditional Opłatek, the breaking of the wafer and wishing each other the best.

            At 3 P.M. in Panna Maria, Texas, the group performed their first concert.  They could not

 believe that they were standing in front of the historic oak tree where in 1854, on Christmas Eve, Father Leopold Moczygemba celebrated the first Christmas Pasterka [Midnight Mass].  The concert held in the church was fantastic!  The choir meshed with the Nativity Scene between the statue of St. Anne and the image of the

Black Madonna.   The famous, little church was brimming with people, many of whom were crying tears of joy while listening to the singing.

They next performed at St. Hedwig where they participated in the Christmas Eve Mass.  The church was filled to capacity with people who had arrived hours earlier for the performance.  It was an event never before experienced in this splendid church.  Shear joy was seen in the faces of the audience. 

            On this same day, the artists performed once again at St. Paul Catholic Church in San

Antonio with the Most Reverend John Yanta, Bishop Emeritus of Amarillo, Texas, as the main celebrant.  The audience at this venue was different because the majority of the participants were not of Polish descent, but they, too, were amazed at the performance of “Śląsk.”

            Four of the artists participated at the 10 P.M. Polish Pasterka at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in San Antonio.  The assembly of 100 people there were very pleased with their visit and the artists’ special abilities.

            December 25 – On Christmas Day, the whole group traveled to Corpus Christi, Texas, to perform a 4 P.M. concert at the Corpus Christi Cathedral.  This event coincided with the 25^th Anniversary of the Corpus Christi Cathedral’s Concert Series.

          The cathedral, magnificently decorated for Christmas, was a perfect setting for the Polish ensemble.  They really felt at home at this great cathedral making this concert one of the best.  The audience was mesmerized and almost transformed by the beauty and power of the songs.  For 30 minutes, the audience called for encore after encore.  The evening ended with dinner at Sugar Bakers Restaurant in Corpus Christi.

            December 26 – The artists, in small groups, visited different nursing homes in South Texas.  They made stops at the John Paul II Nursing Home in Kenedy where they were hosted by the Seraphic Sisters; at the Bluebonnet Nursing Home in Karnes City, they entertained the Banduchs, Dworaczyks, Mankas and Mikas and met with 98 year-old Proxie Pollok.  In perfect Polish, Mrs. Pollok greeted them and thanked them for the visit and songs so familiar to her.

            In Floresville, they talked to locals, Mrs. Annie Waclawczyk, Susie Wiatrek, and many others in the nursing home.  The faces of the residents lit up and showed such great excitement as they admired the colorful costumes and jeweled headdresses of the artists.  The group also made a stop at the St. Francis Nursing Home in San Antonio where the residents were entranced.

            A different group performed at the Sisters of Divine Providence Nursing Home at Our Lady of the Lake University.  The retired sisters were very appreciative, expressing their joy and delight at the musical extravaganza.

            The concert at St. Anthony Mary Claret Church was exceptional. The church is one of the newest in San Antonio, built at Loop 1604 and Culebra.  The majority of the parishioners are young families from throughout the U.S.  It was for them and people from all over the city and the state of Texas that “Śląsk” performed at 7 P.M. at this gorgeous church. The lighting was superb reflecting off the gleaming white marble floors, and the large altar complemented the elaborate costumes of the choir.  The songs and music truly captivated the audience and left an unforgettable impression.

            December 27 – The Polish artists will forever remember lunch at Dr. Stanislaus Burzynski’s office building as well as the delicious pastries at the local Polish restaurant Polonia when they arrived in Houston.  Their concert was held at

Our Lady of Częstochowa Church, a gathering place for the Polish Roman Catholics of the area.  The elegant church could not accommodate everyone; there was standing room only.  First, some of the soloists led the well versed congregation in singing Polish hymns during Mass.  After the Mass, the whole group performed for more than 500 excited and appreciative attendees.  Many couldn’t believe that “Śląsk” was celebrating Christmas with them.

            December 28 – “Śląsk” made its final performance in Texas.  On this day, they gave an outstanding concert at the St. Paul Community Center in San Antonio to an audience of over 700.  The seating capacity of this facility is 650, but there were people everywhere trying to catch a glimpse of the lovely women and handsome men from Poland.  Once again, the artists performed spectacularly, and there were repeated requests for an encore.  Many dignitaries from San Antonio

attended this concert and were really happy to be there.  They expressed their delight by personally thanking the artists and the leaders of the group.

            After the concert, 600 people participated in a banquet honoring the Polish artists at the Fifth Annual Father Leopold Moczygemba Gala.  During this event, the foundation’s Outstanding Service Awards were presented.  For 2008, the recipients were, in the corporate category: Kiolbassa Provision Company; and in the individual category: James and Dorothy Dugi Collins, Randy and Debbie Labus Pawelek from Panna Maria, and Louise Janysek Jurgajtis.

            The Polish group was presented with a proclamation from the City of San Antonio, signed by Mayor Phil Hardberger, welcoming them and designating them as Official Ambassadors of San Antonio to people all over the world.

            Additionally, from the State of Texas, they received a certificate, signed by Governor Rick Perry, thanking them for deepening the cultural ties between the Lone Star State of Texas and Silesia, Poland.

            Mr. Adam Pastuch, the General Manager of “Śląsk,” expressed thanks and assured those present that the certificates would be treasured by “Śląsk” and displayed among the most prestigious recognitions they have received from all over the world.

            December 29 – The artists enjoyed San Antonio by racing from store to store buying souvenirs and gifts.  Some of them revisited the Riverwalk and  El Mercado.  Some decided to go to Sea World.  In the evening, they were tired but very happy.  The night concluded with a dinner at Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant and later a gathering at the Lourdes Grotto at Oblate Renewal Center.  Christmas carols were sung and praises were expressed.