Poland: First Profession and Vesting of Novices in Smardzewice

On this day, eight novices made their first profession of temporary vows for a period of one year. Four novices were from the Province of the Immaculate Mother of God in Poland (Warsaw) and four were from the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in Poland (Gdańsk). At 11:00 a.m., Friar Piotr ŻURKIEWICZ, the Minister Provincial of the Province of Warsaw, presided over the solemn Mass. Those concelebrating included Friar Wojciech KULIG, the Minister Provincial of the Province of Gdańsk; Friar Piotr PAWLIK, the Minister Provincial of the Province of Saints Cyril and Methodius in the Czech Republic; and Friar Marcin DRĄG, the Vicar Provincial of the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow). In his homily, Friar Wojciech KULIG spoke to the novices and faithful about the foundations of religious consecration. Many confreres from our friaries and from Provincial mission sites took part in the celebration along with Pastors, the families and friends of the newly professed, benefactors, and local parishioners. During the afternoon of the same day, the community in Smardzewice experienced another moment of grace: the start of the novitiate year with the rite of vesting of seven candidates. They received the habit of St. Francis from the hands of their Major Superiors. The Minister Provincial of the Czech Republic presided over the liturgy. He gave a reflection on the spiritual value of the Franciscan habit. It is not simply a religious garment, but an eloquent sign, capable of touching the hearts of men. Let us accompany the newly professed friars and the new novices with our prayers. May they persevere faithfully on the path of their Franciscan vocation, serving the Lord and his people, and proclaiming―with their entire lives―the greeting of St. Francis: “Peace and All Good.”

Friar Dominik HAWERCZUK
 

 

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