MISSIONARY ACTIVITY AND FOREIGN PASTORAL ASSISTANCE OF POLISH FRIARS MINOR ORDERS BETWEEN 1900 AND 2009 (Dzialalnosc misyjna i zagraniczna pomoc duszpasterska polskich zakonow Braci Mniejszych w latach 1900-2009)

The Franciscans were the first order ever in the history of the Church to have included mission activities in their observance. Doing missions has ever since been, and still remains, the charism of the Friars Minor. Polish Franciscans too are active in the mission area. The three historically shaped monastic families in the territory of Poland include a total of nine provinces today - all having their mission outlets, virtually on every continent, mostly in Africa and South America. Following the decline of the communist system, the Franciscans entered the former Soviet Union area. Moreover, the Friars Minor provide priestly assistance in many European countries. The significance of our Order in the Church's mission as a broad concept is not to be overestimated. This was noted by Pope Benedict XVI in his speech to the Franciscan Family delivered on the occasion of 800th anniversary of approval of its first observance. The material attached will brief you on the most recent history of missions carried out by Polish Franciscan provinces, incl.: the Friars Minor, Friars Minor Conventual and Friars Minor Capuchin.