On October 4, 2025, the Solemnity of St. Francis, four Conventual Franciscan friars, members of the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow), professed their lifelong religious vows. Friars Krystian GŁUCH, Eryk WALCZYSZEWSKI, Paweł GLIŃSKI, and Karol HABEREK all publicly committed themselves to live in obedience, without anything of their own, and in chastity.
In his homily, the Minister Provincial, Friar Mariusz KOZIOŁ, asked: “Why are there still men who choose this path? In today’s world, it is a rather unattractive ‘job.’ It lacks prestige and is even suspected and despised by many. Why is this so?” He replied, “This is the mystery of God’s choice.” He explained that the friars’ vocation is to make Jesus visible in the modern world, in the style of St. Francis and his followers. “I don’t wish you, brothers,” he continued, “a simple, easy religious life, without scars, without the experience of the cross, without overcoming yourselves. I don’t wish you only professional and personal success. I wish you to be happy, blessed, and to become more like Jesus Christ every day.”
The Rector of the Provincial seminary and post-novitiate, Friar Tomasz CZAJKA, reminded everyone that this year marks the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures, in which St. Francis of Assisi praises God’s goodness for, and with, all creatures. Friar Tomasz also stressed that St. Francis then sent his friars forth to the people, to teach them to adore God, to praise Him, to bless Him, and to do good.
Speaking on behalf of all the newly professed, Friar Karol HABEREK thanked God for the grace of their vocations. He thanked the Mother of God for her protection. He thanked the parents and relatives for the early formation they provided and great dedication they showed. He thanked the Minister Provincial for receiving their vows and for his promise that, if they observe their vows, God will grant them eternal life. He thanked all the Superiors, formators, and Spiritual Directors of the postulancy program, novitiate, post-novitiate, and friaries for all their hard work and dedication. Finally, he thanked all of the consecrated persons and lay people for their work in making today’s celebration more beautiful.
Friar Karol added: “Finally, allow me to quote a confrere who spoke here a few years ago, when he was professing his vows, that ‘consecration is not yet canonization’. Therefore, we ask you to continue to pray for us, so that we may observe these vows and serve God, the Church, and the people in the best way possible.”
Friar Jan M. SZEWEK
