“On the day I called, you answered me; you increased the strength of my soul.”(Psalm 138:3) “The humiliation of humanity.” These are the words I recall our brother Łukasz Wiśniewski using to describe the 20th century, when he preached for the Mass of the Holy Spirit, beginning our general chapter. He was describing such places of 20th-century humiliation as the…
Decision-Making Under Pressure “Should we act now? Should we wait?”This question recurs in the life of everyone who has to make decisions, let alone in the life of a superior such as a provincial, who is responsible for the brothers, for the structures, for the mission. “Should we act? Should we do it now? Is now the right time? Sometimes…
The Role of the Chronicler The role of a chronicler, as I understand it, is to tell stories in such a way that readers can understand, at least to some extent, what the writer has seen and experienced. During Mass at the Divine Mercy shrine today, just before visiting the former concentration camp at Auschwitz, the preacher, Brother Christopher Fadok,…
“Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.”(John 11:5) Memorial of Martha, Mary and Lazarus Today’s liturgical celebration leads us to encounter the fraternity of Martha, Mary and Lazarus in Bethany, a family that according to Saint John the Evangelist (cf. John 11:5) was loved by Jesus, a family where Jesus found rest in the joy of friendship, but also,…
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom.”(Luke 12:32) I’d like to comment on God’s word by first recalling an event that happened to me when I was 29… I had undergone knee surgery. On my third night of hospitalization, while the pain was still acute, the nurse informed me that…
A Welcome for Servants “‘Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.’ What a marvellous text for a General Chapter of Provincials. Welcome, slaves!” With these words, the former Master of the Order of Preachers, Brother Timothy Radcliffe, began his homily today. Three Chapters, One Mission…
Sowing with Faith in Times of Fragility: A Word from the Heart of the Chapter The Power of Testimony in Preaching Readers of these notes may be surprised that the chronicler dedicates so much space to the sermons preached during the Chapter. This is because these commentaries on the Word are imbued with the life experience and Church experience of…
“Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”(Matthew 13:44) Homily for July 30, 2025Readings: Exodus 34:29–35 | Psalm 98 | Matthew 13:44–46General Chapter of Priors Provincial – Kraków Dear brothers and Sisters,As brothers we are gathered here in fraternity at Kraków for this General Chapter, the readings of today come to us…
The Embrace of Fraternity During the ceremony of taking the habit, which is a big and moving event in the Polish province, I heard a sentence that stuck in my memory. Immediately after the provincial dressed me in the habit, there was a sign of peace with all the brothers present. One of them embraced me warmly—even though we had…
Joyful Faces of Leadership Blessed Jordan of Saxony once wrote about Saint Dominic that:“the serene balance of his inner self was expressed outwardly through signs of kindness and cheerfulness on his face.” When I listened to the homily in which Brother Pascal Paulus from Pakistan recalled the image of Moses and his face shining after his encounter with God, I…
