Chapter of the Province of St. Francis of Assisi in Poland

From May 19 to 23, 2025, the Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Francis of Assisi in Poland was held at the Holy Mountain in Gostyń under the motto: “Laudato si’. Praise and bless my Lord, give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility.”

Thirty-four capitular friars participated, led by the Minister Provincial Br. Leonard Bielecki and the Provincial Vicar Br. Franciszek Chodkowski.

The Chapter began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the Holy Mountain Basilica, presided over by H.E. Bishop Damian Muskus OFM. In his homily, he particularly emphasized the gift of love, which cannot be offered to anyone unless one first possesses it within oneself.

During the proceedings, many important topics were raised, with the most significant being the election of a new government, which took place on the second day. The following brothers were appointed Provincial Definitors: Br. Joel Kokott, Br. Faustyn Sławiński, Br. Hieronim Stypa, Br. Kordian Szwarc, and Br. Justyn Berus.

Other issues included amendments to the provincial Particular Statutes, matters related to vocations ministry, the Secretariat of Formation and Studies, Ad Gentes missions, and the agenda of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation. There was also discussion on improved pastoral service to the Secular Franciscan Order and the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Kalwaria Pakoska. Topics on retreats, popular missions, and youth ministry were also covered. All these topics were discussed in group work sessions.

Guest speakers included Br. Grzegorz Strzelczyk, a presbyter of the Archdiocese of Katowice and theologian at the University of Silesia, and Ms. Agnieszka Iwulska, President of the Catholic foundation “Wind Rose”. Their presentations addressed synodality in the Catholic Church and the expectations of the laity towards Franciscans and clergy in general.

The Chapter concluded with a solemn Mass celebrated in the Holy Mountain Basilica, presided over by the Minister Provincial.

Text: Kacper Grys OFM
Photo: Fabian Witkowski OFM

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