On Sunday, July 31, 2022, Friar Marian GOŁĄB, the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow) presented the missionary cross to Friar Łukasz MĘŻYK before sending him forth to Uganda. The ceremony took place at the Conventual Franciscan church in Legnica, Poland.
“Dear brother, God has chosen you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last over time. Go, therefore, and preach the Gospel to all creation, following the example of the Apostles, St. Francis of Assisi and his holy friars who went around the world preaching the Gospel and living the charism of ‘Peace and All Good.’” The Minister Provincial assured the new missionary that the cross he received will henceforth be his guide on the apostolic journey; his help in every danger and his consolation in life and in death. The Minister Provincial also wished God to bless and protect him, and exhorted him to be a worthy servant of the Gospel. He encouraged him not hesitate to sacrifice his life for the proclamation of the kingdom of God and urged him to plant the Church in the heart of the world.
Those attending the blessing ceremony of the missionary cross and the missionary sending included Friar Łukasz’s closest relatives, his confreres, the pastor of his home parish, friends and the faithful.
Friar Łukasz MĘŻYK is thirty-six years old. He was born in Legnica and graduated from high school there. Later, he attended the Technical University in Wrocław, Poland, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. He entered the Order in 2010, made his perpetual vows in 2017, and was ordained to the priesthood in 2019, having completed additional studies in philosophy and theology. Among other things, he worked for three years doing vocation and youth ministry in Cracow.
Text: Friar Jan M. SZEWEK
Photos: Friar Piotr MARSZAŁKIEWICZ
