On November 25-29, 2024, a formation week took place in Niepokalanów Lasek for friars who have completed five years of solemn profession or priestly ordination. These friars came from all three Provinces in Poland, namely, the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar (Cracow), the Province of the Immaculate Mother of God (Warsaw), and the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe (Gdańsk). Friars from the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. in Slovakia also participated.
The event gave the young confreres a chance to deepen their spiritual and intellectual formation and share experiences in a fraternal context.
Among the invited guests there were some eminent speakers: Friar Tomasz CZAJKA (Province of Cracow), Rector of the major seminary, led the retreat and gave lectures inspired by the 800th anniversary of St. Francis receiving the stigmata. Friar Marek FIAŁKOWSKI (Province of Cracow), lectured on the current state of the Church in Poland and its prospects, discussing its challenges and opportunities in today’s world. Anna ZAWADZKA lectured on fraternal relations in religious life, discussing the successes and failures experienced in the context of community. Friar Robert LEŻOHUPSKI (Province of Gdańsk), lectured on juridical-canonical issues regarding spiritual guidance and called attention to some problems and difficulties in religious life. The week culminated with the celebration of Mass on the feast of All Saints of the Seraphic Order. At that time, the friars renewed their religious vows. Five friars at the meeting, who had recently completed their five-year formation program, took an exam in theology and canon law and passed it with flying colors.
This unique event was a time of reflection, prayer and renewing enthusiasm for one’s vocation. It was also an opportunity for building community in the Franciscan spirit.
Friar Grzegorz Maria ŚWIERKOSZ
