On April 7–8, 2026, at the Franciscan Youth and Vocations Center “Three Companions” in Chorzów, operating at the Franciscan monastery, a meeting of Vocation Ministry leaders of the Order of Friars Minor from across Poland took place.
The event was attended by friars responsible for Vocation Ministry from five Polish Provinces: Saint Mary of the Angels, the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Assumption of the BVM, Saint Hedwig, and Saint Francis of Assisi. Br. Konrad Cholewa OFM, General Definitor of the Order, also participated in the meeting.
The main aim of the meeting was to reflect on a letter concerning vocational formation, prepared by the General Secretariat for Formation and Studies of the Order, as well as to exchange experiences and jointly develop directions for future action. Participants also worked on preparing a program and gathering information regarding youth and Vocation Ministry in Poland.
Through group work, participants addressed the topic of new ways of reaching young people, emphasizing the importance of authentic witness of life and presence in the environments where the younger generation lives. The meeting also fostered cooperation among various centers and communities. A common calendar of initiatives organized by vocation ministries in the Provinces was also developed, with particular emphasis on events related to the celebration of the Year of Saint Francis.
The meeting took place in an atmosphere of fraternal collaboration and concern for the development of Vocation Ministry throughout the country. It was organized by the Secretary for Formation and Studies of the North Slavic Conference (SLAN) of the Order of Friars Minor, Br. Sergiusz Bałdyga, who expressed hope that the initiatives undertaken would contribute to revitalizing care for vocations and support those who are searching for their path in life.
