From July 19–25, 2026, more than five hundred young people from all over Poland gathered in Kalwaria Pacławska, Poland, for the 39th Annual Franciscan Youth Meeting (Franciszkańskie Spotkanie Młodych – FSM), one of the country’s most important Franciscan events for young people. The event was organized by the Conventual Franciscan Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow), together with its Youth and Vocations Ministry. This year’s gathering was inspired by the theme “Harmony.” The participants were invited to rediscover how unity arises from diversity and to embrace the universal dimension of the Church.
About 550 participants traveled to Kalwaria Pacławska from Cracow, Warsaw, Wrocław, Legnica, Zielona Góra, Gdańsk, Przemyśl, and other cities. Throughout the week, they took part in Masses, conferences, group meetings, concerts, workshops, sports activities, and communal prayer.
During the opening Mass, the Most Reverend Adam SZAL, Archbishop of Przemyśl, Poland, reminded the participants that the Church is a community sent forth to all nations. Reflecting on the parable of the weeds among the wheat, he encouraged the young people to become forces for good and builders of unity wherever they live.
The program featured a variety of guest speakers. Marta MIŁUŃSKA spoke about the harmony between psychology and spirituality and about discovering one’s own story in the light of God’s plan. Father Paweł POTOCZNY introduced the participants to the spirituality of the Greek Catholic Church. The celebration of the Divine Liturgy according to the Byzantine Rite was a meaningful sign of Christian unity.
One day of the gathering was dedicated to workshops; the participants chose from thirteen different activities, ranging from praise music, photography, and filmmaking to psychology, communication, improvisation, self-defense, outdoor activities, and discovering one’s personal talents.
The evenings featured concerts by the band Fioretti, rapper Kacper “Cukier” KUKIER, the folk music band Kapela Skleroza, and the singing of the Akathist Hymn in honor of the Mother of God.
The highlight of the week was an adoration concert led by Maja SOWIŃSKA, the group JONA, and Kuba PIECHNIK, followed by a solemn Midnight Mass celebrated between Friday and Saturday.
In his closing homily, Friar Bartłomiej Łukasz ROCHOWIAK, OFM Conv., reminded everyone that “harmony cannot be built in isolation.” He emphasized that genuine unity grows within the community and through relationships with God and with one another.
The participants reflected on what the gathering meant to them. “I came back to FSM because it is an extraordinary place and experience where I encounter an abundance of goodness, mutual sharing, and the opportunity to discover myself in a way I cannot find anywhere else. After attending for the first time, I immediately knew I wanted to return.” — Adam, Cracow.
Once again, this year’s Annual Franciscan Youth Gathering proved to be a place where people with different backgrounds, talents, and experiences come together. The “harmony” experienced during this year’s event became a tangible expression of communion, prayer, and unity that participants carried home with them.
The organizers are already inviting young people to the 40th Annual Franciscan Youth Gathering, which will take place July 18–24, 2027, in Kalwaria Pacławska. This special jubilee gathering will celebrate forty years of meeting, prayer, and building Franciscan fraternity among young people.
FSM Press Office
