On Saturday, May 27, 2023, the Most Reverend Edward KAWA, OFM Conv., Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Lviv, Ukraine, ordained three friars to the priesthood: Friar Szymon DENDYS, OFM Conv.; Friar Bartłomiej ROCHOWIAK, OFM Conv.; and Friar Adam SZMYT, OFM Cap. He also ordained Friar Jan Paweł MICHAŁKIEWICZ, OFM Cap., to the diaconate. The ordinations took place at the Basilica of St. Francis in Crakow, Poland.
Those attending the liturgy included: the Most Reverend Jerzy MACULEWICZ, OFM Conv., Apostolic Administrator of Uzbekistan; the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow), Friar Marian GOŁĄB; and the Capuchin Franciscan Minister Provincial, Friar Marek MISZCZYŃSKI. Also attending were Superiors from the friaries, and formation houses, along with the Theological Institute of Franciscan Studies, friars from both the Capuchin Province and the Conventual Province, as well as parents, relatives, friends and acquaintances of the newly ordained.
During his homily, Bishop KAWA assured those being ordained that God is in their lives, that He has chosen them; He guides them, loves them deeply and makes them sharers in His priesthood. At the same time, the bishop spoke openly about the lurking dangers, the satanic temptations and the trials they will face. He exhorted them to always remain faithful to Christ: “Today we need holy people who choose the consecrated life, holy priests, holy deacons, saints who bear witness, not just with words, but with their whole life. This is possible only if we live close to Christ.” He wished that the friars might find the courage to face new challenges, that they learn how to accept what God expects of them. He invited the many faithful gathered to pray for the newly ordained: “Let us pray for them, so that in this difficult and lost world, they may have the courage to walk the path of holiness”.
The Capuchin Minister Provincial Friar Marek MISZCZYŃSKI, read a letter from the Minister General of the Capuchin Order, Friar Roberto GENUIN, in which he wished that the newly ordained might always listen and obey God’s will with an open heart and mind, in order to generously serve those who seek God, those who have lost Him, and those who have lost hope. “May your life be one of faithful service to God and to your brothers and sisters.”
Friar Marian GOŁĄB expressed his joy at the fact that, in this year of the 800th anniversary of the approval of the Later Rule, the Conventual and Capuchin friars who study together every day, were able to celebrate their ordination together. He took the occasion to thank all those who, at different times and places, helped the friars to grow in their vocation. Moreover, he thanked the newly ordained for accepting this great gift.
Friar Jan M. SZEWEK
