At the Kalwaria Sanctuary (Province of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM in Poland) a meeting of the Union of the Friars Minor of Europe (UFME) was held with the participation of the General Definitors for Europe and the Ministers Provincial of Europe. The Minister General of the Order, Br. Massimo Fusarelli, conveyed his message, which was read by Br. Konrad Cholewa, Definitor General.
Days marked by common prayer and the Eucharist favored reflection and the exchange of experiences. On the first day of the meeting, the Holy Mass in the basilica was presided over by Br. Cesare Vaiani, General Definitor. The brothers’ presentations and conversations concerned the organization of the Franciscan Conferences in Europe in the context of the declining number of friars, the role of the Plenary Council of the Order, the Chapter of Mats and cooperation with the laity, as well as the UFME statutes.
On the following day, the Holy Mass in English was presided over by Br. Albert Schmucki, General Definitor. On behalf of the CEM Conference, Br. Luca Di Pasquale presented a proposal for the participation of youth and young friars in the Chapter of Mats (GO! Franciscan Youth Meeting) in Assisi in August 2026. Topics addressed also included the identity and fraternity of religious brothers and accompaniment of young friars on the path toward solemn profession. During the afternoon session we heard the testimony of a lay person living the Franciscan charism and associated with a Franciscan friary in Poland.
After due discernment, a new UFME leadership was elected as follows:
- Br. Siniša Balajić of Croatia – President;
- Br. Antonio Scabio of Italy – Vice-President;
- Br. Benedykt Svidersky of Ukraine and Br. Pius Berhida of Hungary: Councillors.
On the final day, Br. Konrad Cholewa presided at Holy Mass in Italian. After the conclusion of the proceedings, the participants visited the Wawel Royal Castle in Kraków.
