On April 11-15, 2023, the annual assembly of the Centralis Europae Foederatio (CEF) was held at the St. Francis of Assisi Friary in Cracow. As per tradition, the “Juniorentreffen,” a meeting of the Federation’s men in formation, took place at the same time.
The CEF Assembly follows the Federation’s extraordinary meeting in September of 2022. The Assembly began with annual reports from the Ministers Provincial, Custodes, Delegates and representatives of the missions on the status of their Jurisdictions. This was followed by intensive discussions on some current issues, namely, economic solidarity, collaboration and solidarity of personnel between the Jurisdictions of the Federation, initial and ongoing formation, the vision for the future, and the ups and downs of the individual realities. The latest news from the government of the Order was shared as well. The Federation is concerned about vocations, therefore Friar Stjepan BRČINA, the CEF Head of Formation, was also invited to the Assembly. He spoke about the well-organized youth and vocation ministry efforts ongoing in the Province of St. Jerome in Croatia and how the Province has attracted many young candidates and postulants, thank God.
At the same time, the annual CEF Formation meeting took place. Those participating included men in formation from the Province of Croatia and the Provincial Custody of Blessed Agnellus of Pisa in Great Britain-Ireland. Finally, for the first time, a candidate from Sweden also took part, much to the joy of the other participating friars. Friar Igor SALMIČ lectured on the theme “Fraternity for St. Francis,” and Friar Andrzej ZAJĄC spoke about “The Later Rule of 1223.” Friar Andrzej also led a wonderful guided tour of the church and friary in Cracow, which was founded in 1237.
On Thursday April 13, the Superiors and men in formation made visits to the Wielicka Salt Mine, the Shrine of Divine Mercy, and the Shrine of St. John Paul.
We thank the friars of the friary and formation house for their fraternal welcome. Thanks also to Friar Stanisław ŚLIWIŃSKI for organizing the meeting.
Friar Igor Salmič
