Twenty-five years ago, the Parish of St. Francis of Assisi was created in Zielona Góra, Poland, and entrusted to the Conventual Franciscans. On Sunday, October 5, 2024, the friars celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving.
The Most Reverend Tadeusz LITYŃSKI, Bishop of Zielona Góra-Gorzów, Poland, presided over the Mass. Friar Mariusz KOZIOŁ, the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow), gave the homily. He emphasized that the purpose of the presence of the Conventual Franciscans in Zielona Góra is first of all to serve the people―the living Church―so that it may be renewed and grow in the grace of God, allowing for the spirit of mercy, fraternity, and missionary zeal to flourish, making the Eucharistic life vibrant. The Minister Provincial expressed his regret that after so many years, it has not yet been possible to finish the construction of the church. At the same time, he thanked everyone for their patience and continued support.
In response, the bishop said he was not sad about it and urged the friars not to lose hope, after all, it took forty-six years to build the temple in Jerusalem (cf. John 2:20). He publicly thanked the Conventual Franciscans for accepting the invitation and for coming to Zielona Góra a quarter of a century ago; for the friars’ testimony of love, for their prayers, for their service to the faithful and the diocesan clergy; and for the immense good they have done for the local Church over the years.
At the request of the local friary, the Minister Provincial gave two Provincial awards to some deserving individuals for their meritorious service to the friary and the parish. The first award was given to Małgorzata and Jacek PANKIEWICZ “in recognition of their generous assistance and long-standing commitment to parish life, working on the layout of the chapel and the friary, doing parish pastoral work, and for their care and attention in decorating the chapel.” The second award went to Mikołaj KŁAPOĆ “in recognition of his long-standing generous assistance carrying out the unpaid role of construction supervisor during the building of the friary and church in Zielona Góra, and for his care in ensuring the proper preparation and execution of the construction work for the glory of God and for the benefit of the people.” The award recipients were entered in the Book of Friends and Benefactors of the Province.
After the Mass, the faithful and guests participated in a parish picnic and a visit to the church under construction. At that time, representatives from the Lubusz Voivodeship Office and High School No. 1 in Zielona Góra gave special thanks to the friars.
The Conventual Franciscans were invited to Zielona Góra by the Most Reverend Adam DYCZKOWSKI, then the Bishop of the Diocese of Zielona Góra and Gorzów. In his letter he wrote, “I hope that the spiritual sons of St. Francis of Assisi will bring to the life of the city and the diocese not only the rich Franciscan tradition, but also the witness of the power of victorious faith, revealed in the attitude and martyrdom of St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe.”
On May 20, 1999, a contract was signed between the Diocesan Curia of Zielona Góra and the Province of Cracow, under which the friars received land for the construction of a church and a pastoral center. On July 7, 1999, the municipal office of Zielona Góra issued a permit to build a temporary chapel. On August 22, 1999, the Bishop’s decree was promulgated to establish a parish in Zielona Góra to be titled, “St. Francis of Assisi.” The friars moved into a house rented by the diocese. After taking possession of the parish, the friars began teaching catechism in primary and secondary schools, and began building a temporary chapel. During the winter of 1999/2000, the building was brought to a state suitable for celebrating Mass and religious functions. In addition, the friars hosted the National Peace and All Good Festival at the amphitheater in Zielona Góra. In April 2003, construction began on the church and friary. The friary was completed and consecrated in 2009, while work on the church is still ongoing.
Thus far, the following confreres have served as Pastor: Friars Zdzisław TAMIOŁA, Stanisław GLISTA, Stanisław CZERWONKA and Bronisław STAWOROWSKI.
Friar Jan M. SZEWEK
