On Saturday, May 30, 2026, the Most Reverend Jerzy MACULEWICZ, OFM Conv., Apostolic Administrator of Uzbekistan, ordained four Capuchin Friars Minor to the priesthood and seven religious to the diaconate, including three Conventual Franciscans―Friars Francis ASIIMWE, Miłosz MĘŻYK, and Francis MUSAANYA―two Friars Minor, one Capuchin Franciscan, and one Carmelite. The ordinations took place at the Basilica of St. Francis in Cracow, Poland.
Drawing on the Book of Isaiah, particularly the chapter describing the prophet’s mission, Bishop MACULEWICZ talked to the friars about what it means to be a good shepherd and what God expects of them. He encouraged them to help people find their way to God, to comfort those feeling discouraged, distressed, or who are losing hope, to practice the apostolate of a smile, and to be close to the people by understanding their concerns and difficulties. He urged them to ensure that people never fear approaching them, that they reject no one, and that they have time and an open heart for everyone. “People used to say that St. Francis was another Christ. To what extent can we be that for others?” he asked. “The faithful need the sacraments and our homilies, but they also need to feel our solidarity with them and to know that we are their shepherds—their good shepherds, ready even to lay down our lives for them,” said Bishop MACULEWICZ, concluding his homily.
The Most Reverend Paul SSEMOGERERE, Archbishop of Kampala, Uganda, traveled to Cracow for the ordinations. His nephew, who joined the Conventual Franciscans several years ago, was being ordained to the deaconate during this Mass. The Archbishop thanked the friars of Cracow for opening a mission in his homeland twenty-five years ago, a mission which they continue to help and expand today as they open new presences. He expressed particular appreciation for the vocational awareness and discernment work carried out by Friar Marian GOŁĄB., the former missionary and current Custodian of the Marian Shrine in Kalwaria Pacławska, Poland.
On behalf of the Major Superiors, the Minister Provincial of the Friars Minor Province of Cracow, Friar Krzysztof BOBAK, OFM, greeted the newly ordained and urged them to pay attention to the poor and the lepers of the 21st century. “Today Christ is sending you to them in particular,” he said. He also asked everyone present in the church to pray for the new priests and deacons, that they may become good and holy ministers, and to pray for new and holy vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Friar Tomasz CZAJKA, OFM Conv., Rector of the St. Maximilian Kolbe Conventual Franciscan Major Seminary in Cracow, mentioned that during this year, in this basilica and in many Franciscan churches throughout the world, the faithful are particularly focused on St. Francis of Assisi. Pope Leo XIV proclaimed a Year of St. Francis to mark the 800th anniversary of the Saint’s death. “If someone were to ask Francis of Assisi to describe the God whom he believes in and follows so faithfully, Francis would undoubtedly point to the Eucharist. In this sacrament, Francis encounters his Lord—His presence, His love, and above all His humility and self-emptying. We too want (…) to praise God for His infinite goodness, which is also revealed in the fact that He continues to call those who will bring Him to the world,” said Friar Tomasz.
Friar Jan Maria SZEWEK
