On July 13-18, 2026, 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).
Piotr and Maria SAWOŚCIAN led the retreat while Friar Robert M. STACHOWIAK offered spiritual direction. This year’s theme was: “So That Love May Be Loved in Our Home: A Franciscan Invitation for Daily Life.”
Twenty-two families, from Poland and abroad, took part in the retreat. Each day, the adults attended meditation sessions and workshops offered by the SAWOŚCIANs, while the children, in addition to having playtime, participated in numerous workshops and other educational activities.
Many volunteers and seminarians from the seminary in Łódź-Łagiewniki, Poland, also contributed to the retreat’s success by leading activities and assisting children.
Each day began with the recitation of Morning Prayer and the singing of the Godzinki, [Little Office], the traditional Polish Marian office of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Each day concluded with the recitation of the Apel Maryjny [“Marian Appeal”], a traditional evening Marian prayer. Mass was celebrated each day at noon. In the evening, married couples had the opportunity to spend time with the Lord Jesus during Eucharistic adoration for couples. The entire retreat was watched over by the true hostess of the house—our Immaculate Mother. There was also time for relaxation and fellowship shared during social evenings and the community barbecue held on Thursday. At the end of the retreat, the families entrusted themselves to Mary’s protection. The spouses renewed their wedding vows, and about fifteen people joined the Militia of the Immaculata.
Sister Teresa Maria GRABOŃ, SFMI
