From September 28 to 30, 2026, the Superiors of the friaries of the Province of St. Maximilian M. KOLBE in Poland (Gdańsk) gathered at the Provincial Curia in Gdańsk for their annual fall meeting. The meeting featured communal prayer, formation, and dialogue. It also gave the friars an opportunity to share experiences related to community life and daily ministry. Friars from Poland, Lithuania, Germany, Sweden, and Hungary took part in the meeting.
The meeting began on Monday, September 28, with Evening Prayer in the nearby Chapel of St. Anne. Friar Mateusz STACHOWSKI, Guardian of the Holy Trinity Friary in Gdańsk, gave the reflection. He began by asking the friars to consider their daily and conscious choice of the Franciscan vocation: “Why am I a Franciscan?” He emphasized the importance of a personal relationship with Christ and of prayer, which must not be pushed into the background by the demands and hustle and bustle of daily life.
Friar Marcin JELINEK, OFM Conv., a physician, gave the first lecture, entitled “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body.” He spoke about prevention and the responsible care of one’s health. Among other things, he stressed the importance of regular medical checkups, a healthy diet, physical activity, and adequate rest. As he noted, health is not an end in itself but a value that we must care for responsibly.
The second day began with the communal Liturgy of the Hours, presided over by Friar Robert WOŁYNIEC, Provincial Vicar. The main topic of the day was communication and conflict management. The sessions were led by Katarzyna STRYJEK of the Polish Mediation Center, an educator, mediation trainer, and judicial mediator. During her presentation, she explained the different styles of communication and their impact on interpersonal relationships. She emphasized that effective communication depends not only on the information we convey but also on our ability to listen, our openness, our respect for the other person, and our recognition of that person’s right to hold a different point of view.
During the workshop, the friars worked in groups on real conflict situations. They discussed the difference between settling and resolving disputes and explored the possibilities offered by negotiation and mediation. Particular attention was given to the need to listen to all parties and to distinguish facts from the interpretations and emotions that accompany them.
One highlight of the second day was Mass, presided over by Friar Rafał ZARZYCKI, Delegate of the Minister Provincial in Sweden and Guardian of the friary in Jönköping. In his homily, he spoke about the feast of the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, recalling that the word “angel” primarily signifies a mission. Christians, too, receive a mission to bring the Good News to others through their daily activities.
The day concluded with Evening Prayer and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
The third day began with Mass presided over by the Minister Provincial, Friar Wojciech KULIG. In his homily, he spoke about the responsibility associated with the office of a Superior and the difficulties that are an inevitable part of it. He reminded the friars that a Superior remains, above all, a brother, even as he assumes responsibility for the community and often faces difficult decisions, conflicts, or the problems of other friars. He urged the Superiors not to let the popularity of their decisions guide their actions but rather to remain faithful to Christ and seek the genuine good of the communities entrusted to them.
“May St. Francis teach us trust and remind us that our journey does not consist in avoiding difficulties but in overcoming them together with Christ,” he said. He concluded his homily by thanking the Superiors: “It is a blessing that you are here, and thank you for carrying all of this forward.”
The final part of the meeting was devoted to current issues facing the Province and the situation in individual communities. The Superiors shared news about the life of the friaries, pastoral activities, evangelization initiatives, renovation projects, and the challenges the communities face in Poland and abroad.
Particular attention was focused on preparations for the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Province, which will be celebrated on October 10, 2026. The Minister General of the Order will preside at the jubilee Mass. At the conclusion of the meeting, Friar Wojciech KULIG thanked his confreres for their presence and commitment to their daily ministry. The fall meeting concluded with common prayer.
Friar Piotr MATUSZAK, Provincial Secretary
