Intermediate chapter of the Province of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Poland

From May 18 to 22, 2026, the Provincial Intermediate Chapter of the Province of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Poland was held in Krakow-Bronowice Wielkie. 42 friars took part in the work, together with some guests with a consultative vote. The Chapter took place under the theme: "In the Year of St. Francis, listening to the past, we discern the present, we shape the future of the Province with responsibility".

The Chapter was inaugurated in a solemn manner with the Vespers presided over by Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, Archbishop of Krakow, who reminded the friars that Jesus Christ always remains at the center of Franciscan life and a living relationship with God, capable of leading to authentic peace and fraternity. In the following days the friars participated in the Eucharistic celebrations, other moments of common prayer and work sessions, reflecting on the pastoral challenges and the future prospects of the Province and the Church.

During the Chapter, the Provincial Definitors were elected for the new mandate, which, together with the Provincial Minister and the Vicar, constitute the government of the province. Elected were: Br. Nikodem Gdyk OFM, Br. Alojzy Warot OFM, Br. Cyprian Mazurek OFM, Br. Serafin Broniowski OFM and Br. Lucjusz Wrotniak OFM.

A particularly significant moment of the Chapter was the celebration of the Transitus of St. Francis, experienced as part of the Jubilee for the 800th anniversary of the Easter of the Poverello of Assisi. The prayer was accompanied by a concert of the group Trinus Ensemble, which presented the oldest Franciscan songs.

Very significant was the presence of the Minister General Br. Massimo Fusarelli and the General Definitor Br. Konrad Cholewa at the Chapter’s final session. Fr. Massimo addressed a word of encouragement to the participants, urging the friars to live the Gospel faithfully, to build unity and to bravely face the challenges of the contemporary world in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.

The final document of the Chapter and the letter to the friars of the Province were also presented and approved by the capitular friars. The Chapter ended with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Minister General.