On January 8-13, 2024, the Province of the Immaculate Mother of God in Poland (Warsaw) hosted a retreat for people suffering various forms of cancer. The event took place at the friary in Niepokalanów Lasek, Poland.
The retreat was led by Friar Stanisław Maria PIĘTKA under the motto: “Only a Great Man Knows How to Suffer.” Approximately twenty people attended.
Each day featured Mass with a homily, Morning and Evening Prayer in common, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and an in-depth study of the theme of suffering. The participants also had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
They were also able to consult with doctors who come to the retreat each year to meet them. Finally, everyone had an opportunity to share their experiences during an hour devoted to personal testimony.
The participants all formed a big family in which everyone felt understood. One of the participants shared a thought that had stuck with him during the retreat: “The path to heaven passes through the cross and suffering.”
Sister Teresa Maria GRABOŃ, SFMI
