Chapter of Mats in the Prov. Immaculate Conception of Poland

From the 23rd – 25th May, the Chapter of Mats of the Province of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary was held in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska (Poland), with the motto: "Charism, communion and mission".

At the Chapter, presided over by the Minister Provincial, Fr. Egidiusz Włodarczyk, 54 people participated: in addition to the friars, the religious of the Franciscan family and the sisters and brothers of the OFS were also present. Group work, prayer, dialogue, and exchange of experiences were the main points of this meeting.  

In a joyful atmosphere, the participants sought to reflect (according to the recommendations of the Minister General and the General Definitory) on the necessity of the Franciscan charism in today's world and on the phenomenon of the person of St. Francis. 

The capitulars, aided in their reflection by Msgr. Robert Woźniak, an expert on Franciscanism in Poland, undertook to follow three principles: to be, to speak and to listen.   

In one of his speeches, Msgr. Robert emphasized: "The charism of repairing the Church that St. Francis received from Christ crucified has lost none of its relevance. As never before, the Church needs you Franciscans. Seek your charisma. Find out! A charism is a gift given freely. We have no choice but to accept it. The renewal of the charism is above all a return to Jesus." 

 The proposals that emerged from the Chapter will be elaborated and sent to the North Slavic Conference.