On September 1, 2018, on the 79th anniversary of the beginning of the Second World War in Poland, as well as in the beginning of the fourth year of the month of creation, the altar for the Prayer for Peace was inaugurated in the Basilica of the Immaculate in Niepokalanów, Convent founded by St. Maximilian M. Kolbe.
Pope Francis blessed this altar in the Vatican on Wednesday, August 29, 2018. This is the eighth altar in the world for the promotion of Prayer for peace.
The ceremony brought together six bishops and high-ranking people from Poland. The Minister General of Friars Minor Conventual, Friar Marco TASCA, was present along with all the Ministers Provincial of the OFM Conv. Polish provinces, many friars and lots of people.
The Apostolic Nuncio in Poland Salvatore PENNACCHIO, presided over Mass and the President of the Episcopal Conference of Poland, Mgr Stanisław GĄDECKI gave the homily.
The messages of Pope Francis, the President and the Polish Premier were also read, which underlined the duty of all men to work for peace. In turn, the Minister General said that this altar is entrusted to the friars, because by their example of prayer people learn to pray incessantly for peace.
Friar Joseph BLAY, General Delegate for GPIC
