Today is Holy Thursday, and Catholics are beginning the Paschal Triduum. On Holy Saturday, they will have their food blessed. We provide the times for the blessing of Easter baskets at seven Catholic churches in Bolesławiec.

Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Nicholas, Sanctuary of the Assumed Mother of the Church
Rynek
blessing of food every hour from 9:00 to 16:00
Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Plac Zamkowy
blessing of food every hour from 10:00 to 14:00
Parish of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
ul. Orzeszkowej (Staszica housing estate)
blessing of food every half hour from 9:00 to 13:00
in Łąka from 9:30
Parish of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Jarzębinowa (Kwiatowe Housing Estate)
blessing of food every half hour from 10:00 to 12:00
in Dobra at 12:30
Parish of Saints Cyril and Methodius
ul. Krótka (Łasicka housing estate, Kilińskiego)
blessing of food every hour from 9:00 to 16:00
Parish of Christ the King
ul. Jana Pawła (1000-lecia housing estate)
blessing of food every hour from 10:00 to 12:00
Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary
ul. Ceramiczna
blessing of food every hour from 10:00 to 12:00

The tradition of blessing food has been cherished for generations in almost every family. The foods placed in the basket have symbolic significance.

Bread in Christian tradition is the most important of the symbols; it represents the body of Christ. In all cultures, it is essential nourishment. Bread guaranteed prosperity and well-being.

Egg is a symbol of renewed life and victory over death. It was once believed that sharing it with loved ones strengthened family ties.

Cold cuts were meant to ensure fertility and health.

Cheese symbolized a positive relationship between humans and the forces of nature. Because it comes from cows, sheep and goats, it was meant to ensure the growth of the domestic animal herd.

Salt – a life-giving mineral; it was believed to ward off evil. It symbolizes purification and truth.

Horseradish represents human strength and physical vigor. It is also meant to enhance the effectiveness of the other blessed foods.

Cake was the last food added to the Easter basket. It symbolizes skill and perfection.

(information: Grażyna Hanaf)