From the 13th to 17th April 2026, the Interim Provincial Chapter of the Province of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Poland was held in Leżajsk. Forty friars took part in the proceedings, together with several guests with consultative votes and the General Definitor, Br. Konrad Cholewa, OFM.
The Chapter was held under the motto ‘A morte in vitam. From death to life (Jn 5:24)’, in reference to the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi.
The Chapter was opened with Holy Mass presided over by Archbishop Adam Szal, Metropolitan of Przemyśl. Over the following days, the friars took part in spiritual conferences, liturgical celebrations and working sessions, reflecting on the pastoral challenges and future prospects of the Province and the Church.
During the Chapter, the Provincial Definitors were elected for the new term of office. Together with the Provincial Minister and the Vicar, they will form the Government of the Province.
Those elected were: Br. Samuel Portka, OFM; Br. Lucjan Hozer, OFM; Br. Zacheusz Rąpała, OFM; Br. Fabian Wikiera, OFM; Br. Kasjan Sadowski, OFM.
The final document of the Chapter, the programme of ongoing formation and the letter to the friars of the Province were also presented and approved by the friars of the Chapter.
The Provincial Chapter concluded with a Eucharistic celebration, during which the new Provincial Definitors took their oath.
