On September 19, 2026, the first Franciscan Congress took place at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Budslau in Budslau, Belarus. The event brought together friars from the three branches of the Franciscan First Order: the Friars Minor, the Friars Minor Conventual, and the Friars Minor Capuchin. Local members of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) and the Tau Franciscan Youth (YouFra) also participated, along with many faithful devoted to the spirituality and charism of St. Francis of Assisi.
The motto of the Congress was “Go and Repair My House.” The event provided an opportunity to reflect together on the spiritual legacy of St. Francis, strengthen fraternal bonds, and give thanks to God for the gift of the Franciscan charism to the Church and the world. It also offered a valuable opportunity to return to the sources of Franciscan spirituality, deepen the participants’ knowledge of the Seraphic Father, and learn more about the presence and witness of his sons in Belarus today.
The program began with a lecture entitled “The Relevance of the Franciscan Charism in the Contemporary World,” jointly presented by three friars representing the different branches of the Franciscan First Order. The Friars Minor Conventual were represented by Friar Eugeniusz HOŁUB from Ivyanets, Belarus.
The highlight of the gathering was Mass presided over by the Most Reverend Yury KASABUTSKI, Auxiliary Bishop of Minsk-Mohilev, Belarus.
After lunch, the participants took part in a second session dedicated to the theme “The Franciscans in Belarus: History, Current Presence, and Pastoral Activities.” The session featured speakers representing the Friars Minor, the Conventual Franciscans, the Capuchin Franciscans, the Secular Franciscans, and the Franciscan Youth. Friar Jarosław M. BANASIAK from Udziela, Belarus, gave a lecture on the history of the Conventual Franciscans.
The program continued with the performance “The Story of St. Francis,” presented by children and youth from the Conventual Franciscan Parish Church of Our Lady of the Angels in Grodno, Belarus.
In the evening, the basilica in Budslau hosted a concert of Franciscan music performed by choirs and groups from parishes entrusted to the Friars Minor, Friars Minor Conventual, and Friars Minor Capuchin. A period of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament followed, accompanied by meditations prepared by the Secular Franciscans. The day concluded with the Litany of St. Francis and a blessing with the Saint’s relics.
During the breaks, the more than 600 participants enjoyed meals from the field kitchen set up by the Capuchins. They also enjoyed desserts prepared by local women, purchased souvenir bracelets and Franciscan handicrafts, and took part in a program of games and activities for younger children.
The Congress highlighted the richness and variety of the Franciscan charism and, at the same time, the communion that unites the various members of the Franciscan Family. Recalling the long history of the sons of St. Francis in this area, which began in the 14th century, served as a reminder of the significant contribution made by Franciscans to the life of the Catholic Church in Belarus.
Over the centuries, the Franciscan presence in this area grew to considerable proportions. According to the list published in the Album of the Lithuanian-Ruthenian Province in June of 1825, the Friars Minor Conventual alone had thirty-one friaries.
Today, there are thirteen solemnly professed friars serving in Belarus, twelve of whom are priests. They belong to the Provincial Delegation in Belarus of the Province of the Immaculate Mother of God in Poland (Warsaw) and carry out their pastoral ministry in three friaries and two filial houses. Furthermore, Belarus has one novice and four clerical students who are currently in formation in Poland.
Author: Friar Jarosław M. BANASIAK, OFM Conv.
Photo: Capuchin archives
