On October 25-27, 2024, a retreat for children was held at the friary in Niepokalanów Lasek, a presence of the Province of the Immaculate Mother of God in Poland (Warsaw). The retreat help deepen the children’s understanding of the Hail Mary prayer and the Rosary.
The event was attended by ninety children between the ages of seven and thirteen. Friar Grzegorz Maria ŚWIERKOSZ led the retreat with the support of lay leaders.
The retreat was an activity-filled and pleasant experience; the Spirituality Center was full of life and the heartfelt joy of the children. Mass was the highlight of each day, but there were also plenty of group meetings and common prayer events. In addition, there was a movie marathon with tasty popcorn and juice for refreshments. There was also a field game called, “Arm the Knight” to learn the history of the Rosary.
In the evening, everyone gathered in the chapel to meet Mary through praying the Rosary. The older children took turns reciting the Hail Marys. The younger ones each placed a rose at the feet of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima. They decorated the statue with a total of fifty roses! After the Rosary and a short break, those who wished were able to adore the Lord Jesus in the exposed Blessed Sacrament.
The retreat was filled with joy during the lively evening and the cheerful morning that followed. There was also time for Rosary workshops, where the children crafted dozens of rosaries on their own. The retreat concluded with Mass in the chapel, which included the parents. The participants left Niepokalanów Lasek happy and looking forward to meeting again at the upcoming winter retreat.
Sister Teresa Maria GRABOŃ, SFMI
