On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the town of Ostróda, Poland, hosted an unusual event that combined the spirit of prayer, learning, and athletic competition. It was the “Knights’ Race,” held under the slogan “Getting Captured by the Immaculata!” The event brought together children and youth from the Polish towns of Bolszewo, Lębork, and Ostróda. The young people formed six teams, all ready to participate in some spiritual and physical challenges.
The participants began the day with Mass celebrated in the Church of St. Jacinta and St. Francis in Ostróda. Friar Robert WOŁYNIEC, the Vicar Provincial of the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in Poland (Gdańsk), presided. Friar Robert TWARDOKUS, Guardian and Pastor of the Parish of St. Francis of Assisi in Ostróda, gave the homily.
After this spiritual beginning, the young people set out on a challenge route that took them around Lake Sajmino. The course featured ten checkpoints where the participants were tested in both religious knowledge and physical ability. Questions focused on the apparitions of Fatima and the Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi, which was especially meaningful since this is the year marking the 800th anniversary of its composition. Each checkpoint was also a place for sporting activities, from obstacle courses to team-based tasks.
The Lębork team won in the older age category, while the Ostróda team won among the younger participants. All of the participants received awards for their commitment and community spirit.
After a shared meal, a small talent show took place in the square next to the Conventual Franciscan church. Children sang, played instruments and recited poems, proving that the spirit of the M.I. encompasses not only prayer and learning, but also creativity and the joy of living.
The event was organized by Friar Michał NOWAK, an M.I. Assistant for Northern Poland, and Friar Mateusz ŚWIĘTOSŁAWSKI, a vocations assistant, along with a team of dedicated volunteers from Ostróda. As they themselves pointed out, the joy, engagement, and faith of the children were the greatest reward for all their preparation.
Finally, an important announcement was made: the next “Knights’ Race” will take place on June 20, 2026—again in Ostróda!
Maja from Bolszewo had no doubts: “I’ll definitely come back! It was the best day of the year!”
Maja STUDZIŃSKA
