On January 25-30, 2025, a Conventual Franciscan small group retreat was conducted. The retreat will be repeated five times this year.

These retreats began almost ten years ago. They are designed for friars who wish to deepen their spirituality in small groups, in an atmosphere of silence, meditation and discussion of the Word of God. The retreats are conducted at a small religious house in the foothills of the mountains in Zakopane, Poland. Usually, three or four friars from the various Provinces of the Foederatio Europae Mediae et Orientalis (FEMO) participate in each retreat. The entire program is based on the practice of Lectio divina. Using the Gospel reading of the day, the participants meditate and reflect on the Word of God. In the evening, they share the fruits of that day’s prayer. Franciscan topics are used to introduce each meditation. The highlights of the program are the meals the friars prepare together, the Liturgy of the Hours, the evening Mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. All this is accompanied by silence and simple living, fostered by the atmosphere of the house and its surroundings.
We warmly thank the head of the house, Friar Andrzej KULCZYCKI, for his great kindness and hospitality. Friar Piotr STANISŁAWCZYK also thanks the general government of the Order for the opportunity to serve as the organizer and guide of these retreats and at the same time, experience the blessing of this unique time of spiritual renewal.

Friar Piotr STANISŁAWCZYK, Secretary General for Formation