From May 12 to 17, I had the privilege of participating in the International Meeting of Pallottine Fathers and Sisters involved in children’s pastoral ministry, held at the Missionary Animation Center in Konstancin-Jeziorna, Poland. The gathering was organized by the General Secretariat for the Apostolate of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate under the inspiring theme: “Children – Our Future and Our Responsibility.”
The meeting brought together more than 40 participants from nine countries across five continents: Rwanda, Tanzania, Cameroon, South Africa, India, Brazil, the United States, Ireland, and Poland. This diversity enriched our discussions and allowed us to experience the universal character of the Pallottine mission. It was also a great honour to be joined by Pallottine bishops, Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda SAC and Archbishop Adrian Galbas SAC, who participated in prayer and part of the meeting, encouraging us in our commitment to children and young people.
As participants, we spent several days reflecting deeply on the reality of children in today’s world. Through presentations and group discussions, we explored the situations faced by children in different countries and cultures. We shared the joys and successes of our ministries, but we also openly discussed the challenges and threats affecting children today, including poverty, family difficulties, lack of education, violence, and the growing influence of digital media.
One of the most valuable aspects of the meeting was the opportunity to learn from one another. Listening to the experiences of fellow Pallottine Fathers and Sisters working in various parts of the world broadened my understanding of children’s pastoral ministry. Although the contexts differ, our mission remains the same: to accompany children with love, faith, and hope, helping them to discover their dignity as children of God.
The presence of the Pallottine Missionary Sisters namely; Sr. Prescila Rego (SA), Sr. Dativa Niyigena (RW), Sr. Philippina. T. Awe (TZ), Sr. Ghislaine K.N. Makui (CAM), Sr. Agnieszka Pawlak and myself (PL), as well as four Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate, added a unique richness to our gathering. Together, we reflected on how we can better respond to the needs of children and how we can collaborate more effectively as members of the Pallottine Family. The spirit of unity, openness, and mutual support was evident throughout the meeting.
An especially inspiring moment was our visit to the Primary School in Ożarów Mazowiecki, run by the Pallottine Fathers. There was also time for making a tour of Warsaw and paying a visit to the Basilica in Niepokalanów and a convent of Franciscan Friars where St. Maximilian Kolbe had lived and worked before his martyrdom. Besides I enjoyed a cultural evening during which participants had the opportunity to present their countries. The meeting concluded with a solemn Mass at the end of which we entrusted our ministry among children to the Blessed Virgin Mary and were presented with UAC crosses by Fr. Zenon Hans, SAC, Rector General.
As the meeting came to an end, I left Konstancin with a renewed conviction that children truly are our future and our responsibility. The discussions, encounters, and shared reflections challenged me to continue serving children with greater dedication and creativity. I returned to my ministry inspired by the commitment of so many people around the world who work tirelessly to ensure that children grow in faith, hope, and love.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this enriching experience and look forward to putting its insights into practice in my own ministry.
Text: Sr. Katarzyna Gruca, SAC
Photos: Fr. Kamil Wolan, SAC