During the winter holidays between January 19 and February 7, 2026, spiritual retreats for children and youth were conducted at the friary in Niepokalanów Lasek, Poland. The friary is a presence of the Province of the Immaculate Mother of God in Poland (Warsaw). The theme of the retreats was “Seeing God in Everyday Life.
Two hundred and seventeen children and youth from all over Poland participated, accompanied by their leaders. Friar Grzegorz Maria ŚWIERKOSZ led the meditations. Each day, the participants learned to recognize God’s work in their lives through Jesus who reveals the Father, God’s grace, creation, the Eucharist, and Mary. There were also group meetings, where St. Francis’s Canticle of the Creatures was explored in depth, and its content was then represented through pantomime. During evening recreational activities, the participants spent time playing together and getting to know one another better. There was also a joint outing to the Shrine of Niepokalanów (City of the Immaculata). Each day concluded with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament led by Friar Sylwester GĄGLEWSKI. The retreats concluded with a common Mass, attended by parents. In addition, the children and youth joined the Militia of the Immaculata.
The participants left Niepokalanów Lasek full of joy, expressing hope and eagerness for the next retreats, which will take place on weekends during the spring.
Sister Teresa Maria GRABOŃ, SFMI
