On July 7-12, 2025, a Marian retreat for families in the spirit of the Militia of the Immaculata (M.I.) was conducted at the friary in Niepokalanów Lasek, Poland. The friary is a presence of the Province of the Immaculate Mother of God in Poland (Warsaw). The theme of the reflection during the retreat was: “Family on the Path of Hope.”
The retreat was led by Piotr and Maria SAWOŚCIAN, from Łódź, Poland, and by Friar Robert M. STACHOWIAK of Niepokalanów Lasek. Volunteers and clerical students from the seminary in Łódź-Łagiewniki helped as well.
Nearly twenty families from Poland and abroad participated in the retreat. Every day, the adults listened to meditations and participated in workshops. The workshops were led by Mr. and Mrs. SAWOŚCIAN and Małgorzata ROSIAK, a diocesan counselor for family life for the Archdiocese of Łódź.
The children, on the other hand, spent their time at play and participating in many interesting workshops and meetings, conducted by guest presenters.
Each day began with the recitation of Morning Prayer and the Little Office of the Immaculate Conception. It concluded with the hymn, “Marian Appeal.” Mass was the focus of each day, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was featured every evening.
Each day had its own patron saint; the participants got to learn about some of their attributes. For example, the patron saints on the first day were the blessed members of the ULMA family, who were killed during World War II while hiding a Jewish family.
There was also some time for relaxation and fun, as well as the traditional family Olympics. At the end of the retreat, various couples renewed their wedding vows, and several participants joined the M.I.
Sister Teresa Maria GRABOŃ, SFMI
