On January 27, 2021, an online formation meeting for formators was held for the first time. Fifteen friar formators participated from various countries around the world, namely, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Italy, England, Burkina Faso, and Uganda.
Friar Andrzej ZAJĄC, Director of the Institute of Franciscan Studies in Cracow, gave a report on Franciscanism; while Friar Piotr STANISŁAWCZYK, the Secretary General for Formation, led a study group.
This event was open to willing friars working in formation in the Order—those who are preparing for this service or those who are already working in formation around the world. The purpose of these kinds of meetings is to support the ongoing formation of the formators and, at the same time, help them carry out their formation activities. The meetings are conducted in Polish and take place once a month. They last two to three hours.
The first part of the meeting is devoted to deepening Franciscan spirituality. A speaker is invited to give a presentation on a previously planned topic about Franciscanism. After the lecture, there is an opportunity to ask questions and converse with the speaker. The second part of the meeting is devoted to group work. At that time, formators can talk about their own personal problems doing formation work and the difficult situations they face in formation. They can share their experiences and reflections and evaluate the status of their work.
The meetings are organized by the General Secretariat for Formation. The roster of participants is kept open and the project will continue as long as there are confreres willing to participate in it and/or collaborate with the animators.
We invite willing friars to participate. Please contact:
Friar Piotr STANISŁAWCZYK
pstanislawczyk@franciszkanie.pl
sgf@ofmconv.net
Friar Piotr STANISŁAWCZYK, Secretary General for Formation
