Summer 2009 was a very successful for the Association of the Holy Family in Poland. Summer retreat programs are becoming more and more popular and many families as well as individuals try their best to save time and money to be able to participate in the one-week long spiritual and family event.
It is difficult to capture just in few words the atmosphere of retreats. Let me just share some facts and pictures. This will be the best way to convey at least something from the spirit of that wonderful time for God and family.
v There were 7 series of retreats (each a week long) conducted in various retreat centers in different parts of Poland (including our Nazareth homes in Ostrzeszów, Zakopane, Jastrzębia Góra and Olsztyn);
v There were 297 participants ( 154 adults and 143 children);
v Retreats were led by teams of CSFN sisters and priests: 20 CSFN, 5 Missionaries of the Holy Family (MSF), 1 Saletine Father and one diocesan priest. Also 3 MSF seminarians helped with activities for the youth and children.
v 6 persons (in that 2 married couples) became members of the AHF;
v Additionally a pilgrimage to France, which included 23 members of the AHF, was organized. On their way, pilgrims met with CSFN Sisters in Paris and Lourdes, prayed at the Sanctuary in Lourdes and also visited Ars, praying in particular for priests, including those who help with the Association. Two CSFN sisters and one Missionary of the Holy Family led the group.
v In the retreat in Choszczowka near Warsaw, 2 families from Byelorussia participated with Sr. Aleksandra Orieszko. It is our hope to initiate the AHF in Belarus in the near future.
With the beginning of September, regular meetings for the AHF started in various locations of both Polish Provinces. We are happy to see growing number of participants, including many young families. For them, participation in a formation program of the AHF means a way to strengthen their family bonds and to come closer to God and the Church. Praised be God for that! Let us continue our service to families through the Association of the Holy Family.
Sr. Jana Zawieja
General Coordinator of the AHF
