On February 8-11, 2025, Friar Dariusz MAZUREK, the Secretary General for the General Secretariat for Mission Animation (SGAM) together with Friar Piotr STANISŁAWCZYK, the Secretary General for the General Secretariat for Formation (SGF) visited the formation community of Oxford, where the post-novitiate of the Provincial Custody of Blessed Agnellus of Pisa in Great Britain-Ireland is located.
The meetings they conducted were intended for friars in continuing formation and were attended by the entire friary community. Friar Piotr presented core ideas on the Conventual Franciscan experience of formation, as outlined in the current versions of the Franciscan Discipleship and Ratio studiorum documents. Friar Dariusz spoke to the friars about missiology and Conventual Franciscan mission activities, showcasing the real faces and places of our missions.
Currently formation in the Oxford friary is being carried out by the Guardian, Friar Gerard Mary TOMAN together with Friar Jarosław ZACHARIASZ. The community also includes two deacons, Friars Peter George FLYNN and John Paul BANKS; both are pursuing theology studies.
The friars of the friary talked about their extensive activities in this university town. Their ministry as spiritual directors and confessors is in high demand by many students. The friars also offer pastoral assistance in nearby parishes and teach students. It can be said that our confreres are continuing the 800-year tradition of the Conventual Franciscans in this very significant place for the Order. We thank them for their warm welcome and fraternal hospitality and we wish them continued success in their service.
Another meeting with our friars took place at our friary in Dublin, Ireland. Some Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary were present as well. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss topics related to the mission activities of the Order.
We are grateful to the Provincial Custos, Friar Maximilian Mary MARTIN for coming to Dublin and for supporting this fraternal meeting. We extend our warm thanks to the Guardian, Friar Colin Mary EDWARDS, and the friars of the Dublin community for their openness and hospitality. We thank the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary for their kindness and common prayer.
We entrust everyone to the Lord in our prayers.
Friar Dariusz MAZUREK, SGAM Secretary General
Friar Piotr STANISŁAWCZYK, SGF Secretary General
