On Sunday, June 29, 2025, Conventual Franciscan friars from the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow) celebrated twenty years of presence and ministry in Blieskastel, Germany. The day was filled with gratitude, communal prayer, and spiritual joy. Many faithful, priests, and guests attended the celebration.

The Conventual Franciscan friars were entrusted with the Schmerzhaften Muttergottes [Our Lady of Sorrows] Friary and the Heilig-Kreuz [Holy Cross] Shrine in Blieskastel in 2005. Since then, they have faithfully continued their ministry in this special place of prayer and spiritual support. Thus, the 20th anniversary was an excellent opportunity to thank God for the years of the friars’ presence and for all the good accomplished during that time.

Solemn Mass and Blessing of the Jubilee Candle
The celebrations began with Mass at 11:00 a.m. presided over by the Vicar General of the Diocese of Speyer, Father Markus MAGIN. The concelebrants included the Vicar Provincial of the Cracow Province, Friar Marcin DRĄG; the Guardian of the Friary in Blieskastel, Friar Mateusz MICEK; and the Pastor, Friar Hieronim JOPEK.
During the Mass, a special candle was blessed. It had been prepared specifically to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Conventuals’ ministry in Blieskastel. The candle features many meaningful symbols: the Franciscan coat of arms, the San Damiano Cross, and a depiction of creation referencing the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures. It also bears the symbol of the Holy Year, whose motto is Pilgrims of Hope, reminding the faithful that the Blieskastel Shrine is one of the designated jubilee churches.
In his homily, Friar Markus MAGIN expressed profound gratitude, both personally and on behalf of the Bishop of Speyer, for the two decades of generous and dedicated service of the Conventuals.
He spoke of the challenging times the Church in Germany is facing due to a shortage of vocations and clergy, emphasizing how the presence of the friars from Poland is a significant support. He also referenced the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, two apostles with very different personalities who nonetheless shared the same mission of proclaiming the Gospel. Likewise, despite their individual temperaments, the Conventual Franciscan Friars have spent twenty years guiding the faithful toward God.

Thanks and Jubilee Honors
At the end of Mass, Friar Marcin DRĄG, the Vicar Provincial of the Province of Cracow, addressed those present. He warmly thanked all the friars who have served in Blieskastel over the years, as well as the faithful who welcomed them and supported their pastoral mission. He expressed hope that the community would continue to grow, combining tradition with a renewed vision of the Church, following the example of the Apostles Peter and Paul.
One special moment during the celebration was the presentation of the Provincial award to Mrs. Anna-Maria BUBEL, namely, a statuette of St. Francis of Assisi. The Local Guardian Friar Mateusz MICEK, requested this honor from the Provincial leadership in order to recognize Mrs. BUBEL’s thirty-seven years of invaluable service to the Friary and Shrine. She worked in the friary kitchen, she looked after the liturgical linens, and she helped manage the church. She witnessed many changes and events, and saw generations of friars. Her demeanor helped create a family-like, religious atmosphere at the friary and shrine. The Provincial Vicar presented her the ward along with a congratulatory letter from the Minister Provincial and the Provincial leadership.

Celebration in the Friary Courtyard
After the liturgy, everyone sang a solemn Te Deum, giving thanks to God for the past twenty years of ministry and shared pilgrimage in faith. Everyone was then invited to the friary courtyard, where the celebration continued with refreshments and friendly conversation.
The event was held under the patronage of Mrs. Jutta SCHMITT-LANG, Vice President of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany party and a member of the Saarland Parliament. As is tradition, she ceremonially opened the festivities with the “Fassbieranstich”—the symbolic first tapping of the beer keg. In her speech, she shared how she has been connected to the Blieskastel Friary since childhood. She served as an altar girl, and received the sacrament of marriage there. Moreover, her children were baptized by the Conventual Franciscan Friars. She expressed her joy that the friary continues to be a spiritual refuge for many people in Blieskastel and the surrounding area.
The anniversary celebration was enhanced by a youth orchestra that performed popular and traditional songs. The event was made even more enjoyable by beautiful weather and a warm, family-like atmosphere, allowing everyone to celebrate this important milestone together.

Thanks be to God for twenty years of presence and ministry in Blieskastel by the friars of the Province of Cracow in Poland!

Friar Mateusz MICEK
Delegate of the Minister Provincial

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