25th Anniversary of the Claretian Missionaries of the Province of Polska

Łódź, Poland. On Saturday, June 9, 2018, the day of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Claretians of the Province of Polska with their friends and guests gathered at the Claretian parish in Lodz, to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Province of Polska.

Together with our brothers in the Congregation, the celebration gathered more than 300 people belonging to the Claretian Family – Religious of Mary Immaculate Claretian Missionary Sisters, Missionary Sisters of Saint Anthony Mary Claret, friend priests, sisters from other congregations, parishioners of all Claretian parishes of Poland, friends, and benefactors. Among the Claretians, all communities were represented including the communities abroad. Among the present was Fr. Georg Hopf, CMF representative of the Province of Deutschland, where the roots of the Province of Polska come from. Also present was Fr. Andrew Cantona Adukwawm, CMF, representative of our missions in Africa.

Archbishop Grzegorz Ryś and Bishop Jacek Kiciński CMF (from left)

The highlight of the celebration was the solemn Eucharist presided by the Metropolitan Bishop of the Archdiocese of Łódź, Archbishop Grzegorz Ryś. The commemorative homily was preached by the Claretian Auxiliary Bishop of Wrocław, Msgr. Jacek Kiciński, CMF. At the end of the Eucharist, Fr. Piotr Beza, CMF, Provincial of Polska thanked God and the people for the 25 years of common path taken. The Claretian choir “Claret Gospel” of Ivory Coast, for its enthusiastic songs and dances gave more splendor to the Anniversary.

The “Claret Gospel” Choir during the procession

After the Eucharist, the celebration continued in the food hall and in the parish gardens, where everyone enjoyed the food and ice cream. In the afternoon, artistic events were staged. The musical ensemble “Miedarzanie” of Miedary, of the first Claretian community of Poland, performed in the prepared stage next to the church. The Claretian pantomime youth group “Iuventus Dei” also presented.

The group “Miedarzanie” on stage

“We thank everyone who in any way helped in the growth of the Province of Polska during the last 25 years and in such a beautiful celebration of this Anniversary” – Province of Polska to all.