On Monday, June 1, 2026, the Basilica and Shrine of São Francisco de Assis in Brasília hosted a Mass to commemorate the Decree of Erection of the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in Brazil. Those present included the friars of the Province, men in religious formation, and many faithful all giving thanks for the 23rd anniversary of the canonical erection of the Province and the 52nd year of the Order’s Jurisdictional presence in Brazil.
The Minister Provincial, Friar Gilberto DE JESUS RODRIGUES, presided over the Mass, which was celebrated in an atmosphere of gratitude and fraternal communion. Others present included the Assistant General for the Federación América Latina Conventuales (FALC), Friar Rogério PEREIRA XAVIER, the Provincial Definitors, Guardians, Pastors, simply professed friars, pre-novices, and postulants. The Mass was an opportunity to reflect on the journey of the Province and to renew its commitment to the evangelizing mission inspired by Franciscan and Kolbean spirituality.
Being celebrated in the São Francisco de Assis Basilica, the anniversary Mass gained special significance since it fell within the Jubilee Year marking the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis, an anniversary that invites the entire Franciscan Family to deepen its experience of evangelical life.
The date of the celebration also recalled the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on May 31, the day on which the Decree of Erection of the Province was signed in 2003. Inspired by the example of the Virgin Mary, who brought Christ to St. Elizabeth through service and charity, the friars renewed their missionary commitment to proclaim the Gospel and to serve the People of God.
During the Mass, special emphasis was placed on St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, the patron saint of the Province, whose life was marked by evangelization, the promotion of Marian devotion, and the supreme witness of love for one’s neighbor. St. Maximilian’s legacy continues to inspire the Province’s mission, especially through the Marian apostolate, the Militia of the Immaculata, and the Knights of the Immaculata.
The reflection offered for the occasion emphasized that the Province’s history is the fruit of divine grace and the generous dedication of many friars, missionaries, and benefactors. It described four major pillars that have supported the Province in its journey: divine inspiration, the Kolbean heritage, vocations, and sacramental life.
Tribute was also paid to the missionaries from Poland who established the Order’s presence in Brazil, particularly the late, Most Reverend Agostinho (Stefan) JANUSZEWICZ, Bishop Emeritus of Luziânia, Goias, Brazil, as well as the friars of Brazil who, over the decades, have responded to the call of their vocation and contributed to the consolidation of the Province’s pastoral, missionary, and formational works.
As the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in Brazil marks this anniversary, it once again thanks God for its very existence and reaffirms its commitment to continue proclaiming the Gospel, promoting devotion to the Immaculata, and remaining faithful to the ideal of St. Maximilian, who reminds us that the will of the Immaculata is closely identified with the will of God.
Friar Marcelo BORGES DA SILVA
