From June 25 to 30, a Treasurers’ meeting took place in Rome in the Congregation’s Generalate. Taking part in the gathering were the Treasurers from each of our provinces and region: Sr. Grażyna Roclawska (Australia), S. Jana Kurlowicz (Belarus), S. Joanna Smagacz (Krakow), S. Karolina Młodzianowska (Ukraine), S. Jeremiah Mendoza (Philippines), S. Pawła Więcek (Warsaw), S. Teresa Mika (USA) and S. Zyta (England-France-Italy), together with Sr. Daniela Tupaj, General Treasurer, who was responsible for organizing the meeting.
Besides the information shared by Sr. Daniela and each of the Treasurers being asked to present the realities in their province or region, there were several other presentations given by invited speakers. These included: Fr. Wojciech Popielewski, OMI, who serves as the Rector of the International Seminary of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate., Fr. Wojciech Kulig, OFMConv., General Collector of the Conventual Franciscans, Fr. Robert Leżohupski, OFMConv., who serves as a Judge of the Vatican Tribunal, Dr. Lucio Lamberti, an expert in the field of Bank Ethics, and Sr. Barbara Gromada, a historian of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, as well as M. Jana Zawieja, Superior General.
In addition to the rich and valuable conferences, time was given for questions, discussions, and sharing in small groups. Whenever possible the meeting content was adjusted to best address the needs of the Sisters.
While the meeting schedule was quite intensive, there were also opportunities for the Sisters to experience being in the heart of the Church. One such opportunity was attending the regular Thursday morning Polish Mass by the tomb of John Paul II. The second, was a very special occasion to participate in the Holy Mass with Pope Francis on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the patrons of Rome. On this day, the Holy Father blessed and presented the pallium for the 30 new metropolitan archbishops appointed during the past year.
The meeting concluded with a special Mass in the Generalate, celebrated by Fr. Wojciech Popielewski, whom the Sisters were now well-acquainted with since he had been with them earlier in the week. Over the next few days, each of the Sisters returned to her province or region richer for the experience of being here – richer from the knowledge gained but also in the fellowship shared amongst themselves.
