On March 19, 2025, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an unusual event took place at the Conventual Franciscan mission in Motala, Sweden, belonging to the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in Poland (Gdansk). With the consent of the Minister General and his Definitory, the mission was raised to the level of a Delegation and a new friary was erected.
During the solemn Mass, the Decrees erecting the St. Maximilian M. Kolbe Friary in Motala and the Provincial Delegation of St. Francis of Assisi in Sweden were read out.
The Mass was attended by the Minister Provincial, Friar Wojciech KULIG, who also gave the homily. Others attending included the Provincial Secretary, Friar Piotr MATUSZAK; the new Provincial Delegate in Sweden, Friar Rafał ZARZYCKI; some local friars; a number of Brigidine and Benedictine Sisters who receive sacramental service from the friars at the friary in Motala, the faithful of the local community and representatives of the Stockholm Episcopal Curia.
After the Mass, the celebration continued with everyone gathered around a common table prepared by the faithful. Thus, in a spirit of gratitude to God, the friars in Sweden begin a new chapter of their ministry.
Friar Piotr MATUSZAK, Provincial Secretary
