The Francis Group recently completed a spiritual pilgrimage that involved walking more than 430 kilometers [267 miles] in thirteen days. Every year, the group goes on a pilgrimage to Jasna Góra, Poland. The event is part of the Pilgrimage of the Diocese of Elbląg, Poland, which for years has attracted faithful from all over the country to make a pilgrimage together to the shrine where Our Lady of Częstochowa reigns.
This year’s pilgrimage took place from July 30 to August 11, 2024. It brought together pilgrims who traveled together from Kwidzyn to Jasna Góra, with a prayer and a hymn on their lips. The slogan of the pilgrimage was: “Grant Us Peace.” It perfectly reflected the spirit that accompanied the pilgrims at every step of this demanding journey. This year, the Francis Group was joined by the Salvator-Redemptor Group. A total of sixty to ninety persons participated at various stages of the pilgrimage.
The Francis Group was led by Friar Mateusz ŚWIĘTOSŁAWSKI. He supported the participants throughout the pilgrimage with prayer, kind words and a formation talk.
The Francis Group has always been characterized by a large presence of religious brothers and sisters, and that was evident this year as well. Those who walked the entire journey included the Vicar Provincial of the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in Poland (Gdańsk), Friar Robert WOŁYNIEC; Friar Władek from the Province’s Conventual Franciscan Seminary; two postulants; and a nun. The Provincial Secretary, Friar Piotr MATUSZAK, and former guides of the Francis Group, namely, Friars Damian BASARAB and Robert TWARDOKUS, also joined at various stages of the pilgrimage. Friar Tomasz TĘGOWSKI from the Franciscan Medical Center provided medical assistance to the pilgrims.
During the pilgrimage, there were moments of reflection as well as physical and spiritual difficulties. However, there were also moments of joy and mutual support. The pilgrims traveled through picturesque landscapes in Poland, passing through forests, fields, and villages, where they encountered the hospitality of the local people. Daily prayers and Mass offered moments of respite and spiritual nourishment.
“Every step of this pilgrimage has been a physical effort, but it has also been a spiritual gift offered to God. This year’s slogan was particularly close to our hearts during these anxious and uncertain times,” said one of the participants in the Francis Group.
The pilgrimage concluded with Mass in Jasna Góra. At that time, all of the pilgrims prayed for peace in the world, in their families and in their hearts. The emotion and joy of having reached the goal were evident on the faces of all those present.
The Francis Group, like other pilgrimage groups, has completed its journey, but the spiritual fruits of this event will certainly accompany the pilgrims for a long time to come. Everyone returned to their homes with hope, carrying in their hearts an experience of community and prayer, and an encounter with Our Lady of Częstochowa.
Maja STUDZIŃSKA
Spokesperson for the Province of Gdańsk
