From April 28 to May 1, 2024, the friary in Schwarzenberg, Germany, conducted its first community trip to Slovenia. The friary had previously organized such outings to friaries in Austria and Switzerland.

Those participating were the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Elizabeth in Germany, Friar Andreas MURK and Friars Polykarp GÖTZ, Mateusz KOTYŁO, Konrad SCHLATTMANN and Angelo CHULLY VARGHESE.
The friary in Olimje, Slovenia, provided the five friars with extremely hospitable accommodations. They were all pampered with good food and got to admire the beautiful scenery surrounding the friary as well as its famous ancient pharmacy. The friary is a presence of the Province of St. Joseph in Slovenia.
After Olimje, the friars went to Ptuj, where the Minister Provincial of Slovenia, Friar Milan KOS, gave them a tour of the friary and the city. One special moment was when the friars climbed the bell tower of the friary, which is currently being restored under the direction of Friar Andrej FEGUŠ.
The friars next visited the famous pilgrimage church in Ptujska Gora, Slovenia. The former Assistant General, Friar Janez KURBUS, gave a talk in German about this site. The friars then made a short visit to the friar community in Zagreb, the capitol of Croatia, where they had lunch.
After Zagreb, the friars stayed overnight at the friary in Graz, Austria, before they returned to Germany. On their way back to Schwarzenberg, they made one more stop, this time at the friary in Maria Eck, Germany, where they celebrated the feast of Mary, Patron Saint of Bavaria. The feast occurs in Bavaria on May 1. His Eminence, Cardinal Reinhard MARX, celebrated an open-air Mass at the friary. Around three hundred faithful attended.
The five friars had a very good time in just a few days, and met very hospitable confreres everywhere! A big thank you to all of them!

Friar Mateusz KOTYŁO

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