Fifty-four religious participated in this year’s Provincial Chapter of the Congregation of Marian Fathers. The meetings took place from March 2 to 6, 2026, at the “Arka” Pilgrim House in Licheń Stary. The Chapter is one of the most important events in the life of every religious community. The Chapter of the Congregation of Marian Fathers is held every three years. This year’s Chapter was of a reporting nature. Its purpose was to evaluate the current activities of Marian institutions.
During the Chapter, decisions are typically made regarding the current life of individual communities as well as the entire Province, and, if necessary, the Province’s legislation codified in the Provincial Statutes is amended. Every six years, in addition to its reporting function, the Chapter also has an electoral character. At that time, it takes place in two parts. In the first part, delegates to the General Chapter are elected, while in the second part, held after the General Chapter, a new Provincial and members of the Provincial Council are elected.
The current chapter focused mainly on reporting matters, as described by Fr. Piotr Kieniewicz, MIC, secretary of the Polish Province of the Congregation: “We are reviewing what has been accomplished and what conclusions can be drawn from the actions taken. Thanks to this, we can respond more effectively to contemporary challenges and serve the Church.”
Representatives of Marian houses in the Polish Province, led by Fr. Eugeniusz Zarzeczny, MIC, the Provincial Superior, participated in the Chapter. When asked to assess the community of Marian priests and brothers in Licheń, he replied: “The Licheń community is vibrant, dynamic, and truly a welcoming place.” A series of retreats, initiatives, and events shows that this community is alive. This is confirmed, for example, by the upcoming Marian-Mariological Symposium. A lot is happening, and it is clear that one person cannot do it all. From the very beginning, I have ensured that everyone, in unity, takes responsibility for specific departments—namely, the superior of the local community, the custos of the shrine, the local treasurer, and the pastor of St. Dorothy’s Parish. Although each has their own responsibilities, they must also demonstrate unity and work together. The daily rhythm of the chapter is demanding, but it also allows for moments of respite and provides an opportunity for individual reflection.
The event began on Monday, March 2, with a communal dinner, while the entire following day was designated a day of recollection, which, as the Provincial emphasized, proved to be extremely necessary: “The day of recollection very clearly showed that the brothers desire to pray together, talk, and share their experiences.” This reflects a need to build unity, listen to one another, and strengthen the community through this gathering.
The participants entrusted the deliberations of the Chapter to the intercession of Our Lady of Licheń, asking for unity in the decisions made and for God’s guidance for the entire Community of the Congregation of Marian Fathers. May this time of shared prayer, conversation, and discernment bear good fruit for the future of the Polish Province of the Congregation.
