Prayer

The most important prayer at the threshold of Auschwitz is – silence
 
Silence
Listening
Searching
 
the voice of Auschwitz
the voice of your own heart
the voice of the other
the voice of God
 
However, we cannot only be silent, we also need to talk, look for answers and bear witness. We present some prayers which are helpful in this place.

Some chosen prayers

Some Psalms express suffering caused by enemies, fear of death or pain because of the silence of God. Other prayers intercede for the dead. Others plead to us to become better people and ask for solidarity with others. >>

 

Way of the Cross Meditation

These meditations of the Way of the Cross are inspired by the parish of Brzezinka (Birkenau). They commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ and at the same time events in the camp. They invite us to reflection and prayer. >>

 

Common way of prayer of Christians and Jews

We are Christians and pray in Auschwitz and Birkenau with our Christian language. We do this however with respect for the Jewish victims, who were the majority of the murdered in this place. Sometimes there are prayer encounters, where Christians, Jews and representatives of other religions are together. We present a way of prayer along the ramp in Birkenau, prepared in 2011 by Christians and Jews together for the International Council of Christians and Jews. >>

MESSAGE

Message of young people of Oswiecim to young people of the world >>

Introduction

Introduction for participants of WYD 2016 Key historical facts and basic issues for reflection >>

HISTORY

Information about the history of the concentration and extermination camp >>

PRAYER

Prayers in suffering, for the dead, for peace >>

REFLECTION

Statements of Popes and other persons >>