On July 3, 2024, an exhibition on Blessed Zbigniew STRZAŁKOWSKI and Blessed Michał TOMASZEK, Martyrs of Pariacoto, Peru, was opened at the Friary of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in Rome.
The opening coincided with the birthday of Blessed Zbigniew. Several members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See were present, namely, the Ambassadors to the Holy See of Poland, Peru Argentina, Monaco, Senegal, Ukraine, Ireland, Armenia, the Dominican Republic, North Macedonia, Japan, El Salvador and Guatemala. Also present were the spouse of the Ambassador of Burkina Faso; the heads of mission of Montenegro, Georgia, and Croatia; diplomats from the Czech Republic, the Philippines, and Indonesia; some journalists, representatives from the Polish community in Rome and a number of other confreres, including the Vice Postulator, Friar Valdo NOGUEIRA, Friar Silvestru BEJAN and the Delegate for Communications, Friar Alejandro PALACIOS VÁZQUEZ.
The event began at 7:00 p.m., with introductory remarks by the Vicar General, Friar Jan MACIEJOWSKI. Next, the Ambassador of Poland to the Holy See, Adam KWIATKOWSKI, and the Ambassador of Peru to the Holy See, Luis Juan CHUQUIHUARA CHIL, addressed the distinguished participants. The guests were able to learn more about the Blessed Martyrs thanks to some panels that had been set up displaying photos of the history, work and mission of the two friars, with captions in different languages.
In addition, the Delegate of the Minister General for the Assistance of the M.I., Friar Gilson Miguel NUNES, showed the participants the hall where St. Maximilian founded the Militia of the Immaculata (M.I.), and took them to the friary chapel as well.
Finally, the esteemed guests were taken to the friary terrace where they enjoyed an exquisite panoramic view of Rome and had a delicious buffet meal as they conversed amiably in a fraternal atmosphere.
All the participants admired the beauty of the place and asked questions about the history of the friary and about the Conventual Franciscan Order. The exhibition will remain open until October of 2024.
Office of Communications
