On October 4, 2024, the Solemnity of St. Francis of Assisi, Friars Miłosz MĘŻYK and Jakub SZCZEPANEK, of the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow) professed their solemn vows, promising to live the rest of their lives in obedience, without anything of their own, and in chastity. The event took place at the Franciscan Basilica in Cracow.
During the ceremony, Friar Tomasz CZAJKA, Rector of the Provincial seminary and post-novitiate, addressed those present: “This year we are celebrating the 800th anniversary of a special event, that of St. Francis of Assisi receiving the stigmata, that is, the wounds of Christ Crucified. Immediately after, offering a prayer of praise, Francis said to God: “You are all our riches to sufficiency” [The Praises of God]. We are happy that today, eight hundred years later, there are still people who, like Francis, have the courage to believe that there is truly nothing more precious in life than the gifts we receive from God. Moreover, we should dedicate all that we are to Him. What makes us even happier, and what is a great privilege for all of us, is that today, in this basilica, we shall witness just such a moment: Friars Miłosz and Jakub will express their desire to bind themselves to God, through their religious vows, for the rest of their lives.” He added, “Dear friars, we are already happy with your decision and we want to surround you with our prayers.” The Minister Provincial, Friar Mariusz KOZIOŁ, received the vows of both friars. In his homily, Friar Mariusz mentioned that religious vows are not primarily an obligation, but a glorification of God and a confession of love for Him. Friar Mariusz went on to quote from the recent letter from the Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, who explained that “persevering in the fidelity and joy of one’s evangelical vocation is not something mechanical or something to be taken for granted. True fidelity must be preserved, nurtured, sought after, protected, and even ‘suffered’ in the struggle against ourselves and against a cultural environment oriented towards self-gratification.” He wished the newly professed might be happy as they travel God’s path, and that they might attain salvation with the help of the friars. Friars Miłosz and Jakub thanked God for the gift of their vocation with the words of the Psalmist: “Bless the Lord, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, my soul; and do not forget all his gifts” [Ps 103:1-2]. The newly professed also thanked Mary, the Patroness of the Order, as well as their superiors, confreres, parents, relatives, and all those who prepared, attended and celebrated their solemn vow ceremony.
Friar Jan M. SZEWEK
