For years now, each autumn, the Secretariat for formation and studies of the Northslavic Conference of the Order of Friars Minor (SLAN) has organized courses of ongoing formation for Guardians and those responsible for houses in the SLAN territory. This year this course took place from November 6-9 at the Góra Świętej Anny Pilgrim House which saw around 120 Friars gathered from the five Polish Provinces.
It was a time of encounter and sharing of experiences, as well as listening to invited experts who addressed such topics as the service offered by Guardians (responsible Friars) and the challenges found in serving the Church of today.
Among the first day speakers was Mons. Wojciech Ignasiak, who works with people in recovery from addiction and is director of the Franciszek Blachnicki Center of Prevention and Formation of Katowice. He spoke about the Fatherhood of God, human fatherhood, and shared ways to help those suffering from addiction.
Br.Piotr Różański SP, retreat leader and psychotherapist, explained the work he does with religious superiors at Jelenia Góra, as Director of the Calasanz Cultural Center.
During the afternoon session, problems within priestly ministry and among community superiors were discussed.
The following day, Br.Tomasz Gaj OP, of the Dominican Center for formation and development in Tabgha, spoke about communication by superiors with the brothers they care for in his presentation: “Rational or Relational?”
In the afternoon, Mons. Jacek Kicinski spoke about the ministry of presence as a challenge for those in consecrated life today.
These days of ongoing formation concluded Thursday when the Guardians (responsible Friars) met with their Provincial Ministers.
Br.Konrad Cholewa, General Definator of the Northslavic Conference, greeted and thanked the organizers and participants of the event on behalf of Minister General Br.Massimo Fusarelli, and the General Definatorium. He expressed the Minister General’s great joy and gratitude at such wonderful collaboration in this area of ongoing formation of the Polish Provinces.
The Guardians and those with similar responsibilities in our Franciscan fraternities are the primary animators of the community. It is a matter of great importance for the Provinces of the Order today to ensure that these men receive their own adequate ongoing formation and training.
