On May 13-17, 2024, the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow) conducted the second part of its Ordinary Chapter. The event took place at the St. Maximilian Center in Harmęże, Poland.
The Capitulars first approved the Four-Year Provincial Plan and various Motions regarding the life of the Province. Then they elected the Superiors of the friaries and formation houses in Poland and abroad. With the consent of the Chapter, the superiors< of Peru and Paraguay will be elected later by the Minister Provincial with his Definitory. Friar Tomasz CZAJKA was elected Rector of the post-novitiate in Cracow; Friar Piotr DĄBEK was elected Rector of the post-novitiate of Kampala-Munyonyo, Uganda; and Friar Godfrey KATUMBA was elected Rector of the postulancy house in Kakooge, Uganda.
On Friday, May 17, having finished the work of the Chapter, the Capitulars prayed for those friars who had died over the last four years and concluded with the solemn singing of the Te Deum.
The Minister Provincial, Friar Mariusz KOZIOŁ, then addressed the friars and made three requests. Firstly, that all of the friars, including the Minister Provincial, seek God every day, make time for Him and remain in Him through common and individual prayer. Secondly, that they be Friars Minor, humble, gentle, simple and helpful, not raising themselves above others or despising them; and thirdly, that they be guided by a sacrificial love in their ministry, ready to give their whole life to God, following the example of St. Maximilian.
On Saturday, May 18, the newly elected Superiors of the friaries and the seminary in Cracow made their profession of faith. The superiors who were unable to come to Harmęże shall make their profession of faith elsewhere.
In addition, the friars celebrating their diamond, golden and silver jubilees of religious life and priesthood this year were recognized. The Minister Provincial gave them a keepsake in the form of a Tau cross inscribed with the exorcism prayer of St. Anthony: “Behold, the Cross of the Lord! Begone, all evil powers! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered! Alleluia, Alleluia!”
A closing Mass was then celebrated, presided over by the Most Reverend Jerzy MACULEWICZ, Apostolic Administrator of Uzbekistan, a confrere originally from the Province of Cracow.
The Chapter concluded with a shared meal in the friary garden.
Friar Jan M. SZEWEK
Photo: Friar Marek KOWALCZE
