On May 19, 2026, the Custody of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe in Tanzania joyfully celebrated the silver jubilee of the priestly ordination of Friar Ryszard BEDNARZ, OFM Conv. The festive Mass took place at the Divine Mercy Shrine in Mwanga, Tanzania.
Those attending the Mass profoundly thanked God for the gift of Friar Ryszard’s life, vocation, and his dedicated service to the Church and the Custody of Tanzania over the past twenty-five years.
The Mass brought together friars, parishioners, family members, and friends. Everyone thanked God for Friar Ryszard’s faithful ministry. The event was an important time of joy, reflection, and gratitude for the many blessings God has bestowed through Friar Ryszard’s priestly service.
Friar Piotr BUJNOWSKI gave the homily. In it, he encouraged Friar Ryszard to continue placing his trust in God as he moves forward in his vocation. He reminded him that the Cross of Christ should always remain the source of his strength and inspiration. Reflecting on the meaning of priestly life, Friar Piotr urged him to keep his eyes fixed on Jesus, whose love and sacrifice sustain every vocation and ministry in the Church.
During the Mass, the Custos of the Custody of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe in Tanzania, Friar Denis Dominick KUNAMBI, delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude to Friar Ryszard on behalf of the entire Custody. He thanked him for his generous service, unwavering dedication, and significant contributions to the growth and mission of the Custody of Tanzania. He also acknowledged Friar Ryszard’s commitment to pastoral ministry and his faithful witness to the Franciscan charism over the years.
Others attending the joyful celebration included the Most Reverend Venance KODA, Bishop Emeritus of Same, Tanzania, as well as the Vicar General of the Diocese of Same. Friars from various Franciscan communities across Tanzania, diocesan priests, religious sisters and brothers, and numerous parishioners from the Divine Mercy Shrine in Mwanga also took part in the celebration.
The event concluded with expressions of gratitude and congratulations to Friar Ryszard for reaching this important milestone in his priestly life. As the faithful joined in thanksgiving, they offered prayers for God’s continued blessings upon Friar Ryszard, asking that he remain steadfast in his vocation and continue serving the People of God with zeal, humility, and joy.
The silver jubilee celebration served as a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness and of the invaluable gift of the priestly vocation to the Church. The Custody of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe in Tanzania thanks God for the life and ministry of Friar Ryszard BEDNARZ, and prays that he may have many more fruitful years of service in the vineyard of the Lord.
Friar James Eden MALISA, Custodial Secretary
