On May 8-12, 2025, Friar Dariusz MAZUREK, the Secretary General for the General Secretariat for Mission Animation (SGAM) and Friar Piotr STANISŁAWCZYK, the Secretary General for the General Secretariat for Formation (SGF) visited the community of St. Felix of Cantalice Friary in Neustadt, Germany. The purpose of the visit was to celebrate the friary’s 100th anniversary of presence.
In 1925, after a period of secularization, friars from the Province of St. Elizabeth in Germany were invited to work in a place that the Capuchin Franciscans had to leave. Since 2000, the friary has been a presence of the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow). The friars perform pastoral ministry for pilgrims to the Shrine of St. Felix and groups linked to the local community. They also work as confessors and as chaplains at a nearby hospital. For many years, the friars in Neustadt have been supporting missions in Uganda, led by the Province of Cracow.
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the Guardian, Friar Stanisław ŚLIWIŃSKI, presided over Mass and also acted as interpreter for the two visiting friars. Friars Dariusz and Piotr jointly gave the homily on topics related to their service: formation and mission. They also spoke about the 100th anniversary of Conventual Franciscan presence in Neustadt and talked about the patron saint, St. Felix.
The visit was seen as an expression of the Order’s unity at the international level, and as a sign of recognition of the local community for its contribution to the life of the Church and the development of Conventual Franciscan missions.
Sincere thanks go to the friars in Neustadt for their initiative, invitation and magnificent hospitality.
Friar Dariusz MAZUREK, SGAM Secretary General
Friar Piotr STANISŁAWCZYK, SGF Secretary General
