On May 4-9, 2026, a retreat for people with cancer was held at the friary in Niepokalanów Lasek, a presence of the Province of the Immaculate Mother of God in Poland (Warsaw). Seventeen people attended.
Friar Ryszard M. ŻUBER led the retreat under the theme: “Suffering as a Companion to Illness.” He reflected on the value of offering up one’s suffering so that it is not wasted. He also referred to the lives of St. Maximilian KOLBE, and the Servant of God Friar Innocenty Maria WÓJCIK, who bore their pain with humility and meekness, thus attaining holiness.
During the retreat, the participants took part in communal prayer, attended Mass, prayed the Rosary, took part in Marian devotions, and meditated on the Way of the Cross. They also had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and to join the Militia of the Immaculata.
The participants were also able to benefit from medical consultation thanks to a visit by Dr. Wiktor CHMIELARCZYK. Joy and fellowship abounded as the participants spent evenings together, took walks, shared meals, and attended meetings. All of these took place in an atmosphere of simplicity and cordiality.
The retreat was also an opportunity to gratefully acknowledge the late Friar Stanisław PIĘTKA and Renata KUPIS. It is thanks to them that these spiritual retreats continue to be organized to this day.
Sister Teresa Maria GRABOŃ, SFMI
