From July 27 to August 22, 2026, a series of summer retreats for children and young people took place under the theme “With St. Francis, We Discover Meaning.” The retreats took place at the friary in Niepokalanów Lasek, Poland, a presence of the Province of the Immaculate Mother of God in Poland (Warsaw).
Three retreat sessions were held for children ages seven to thirteen, followed by a fourth session for young people ages fourteen to eighteen. Altogether, 340 people took part in the four sessions.
This year’s retreats were organized by Friar Grzegorz Maria ŚWIERKOSZ. During the fourth session, Friar Grzegorz Maria SZYMANIK delivered the daily homilies. The friars did not work alone, however; a group of youth leaders assisted them.
Each day was filled with new activities and, at the same time, marked another step on the journey toward discovering the meaning of life with St. Francis. Why are we here? Does my life have meaning? What purpose do rules serve? What is the purpose of the Mass? What is the purpose of self-denial and sacrifice? These five questions guided each day of the retreats. Every evening featured Eucharistic adoration, except Friday, when the participants prayed the Stations of the Cross in the surrounding woods.
In addition to the formation sessions, the participants also had plenty of opportunities for fun, including “evenings of merriment.” The young people also had an opportunity to attend a session with Professor Monika PRZYBYSZ, who gave a talk on the mindful and balanced use of technology and social media. Before the session, Father Tomasz TROCHIMIUK celebrated his first Mass.
The field trips were also very well received. The children visited the Happylandia amusement park, while the young people visited Julinek amusement park. Despite the unfavorable weather forecast, there was plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, along with good cheer and joy.
The sessions concluded on Saturday with a Mass attended by the participants’ parents. Following the homily, the traditional investiture of new Knights of the Immaculata took place.
The retreats were a time of great happiness and joy, filled with the hope that another retreat will be conducted this fall.
Sister Teresa Maria GRABOŃ, SFMI
