Laski (Poland). Over the weekend of 20–22 March 2026, a gathering took place for the Temporary Professed Sisters of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Our Lady of Jasna Góra Province (PLJ), on the theme, “Journeying Together: The Beauty and the Challenges of Fraternal Relationships.” Seven Sisters participated in the event, joined by the Provincial, Sister Małgorzata Pilarska, and the Director of Formation for the Temporary Professed Sisters, Sister Wioletta Reniec.
The gathering began on Friday afternoon in Laski, a small town known for the presence of the Franciscan Servants of the Cross, who care for the blind. The Sisters hosted the young FMA in a small retreat house. From the very start, the Sisters sensed a family-like atmosphere, which helped them to delve deeply into their relationships. This formative time was opened by the Provincial with the Good Night, a reflection on the importance of the Cross in the life of an FMA, followed by the prayer of adoration of the Cross.
Saturday morning was spent in an atmosphere of prayer centered on the Word of God. The passage that accompanied the group was taken from the Gospel of John, “I give you a new commandment: that you love one another, just as I have loved you” (Jn 13:34). To delve more deeply into this Word, a passage was proposed from the book “La forza delle radici” (The Strength of the Roots) by Sister Maria Ko, which addresses the very subject of fraternal life in community, with reference to the FMA Constitutions.
Following the meditation, the Sisters participated in a workshop led by psychologist Elżbieta Talik titled, “Not Ideal, but Real: Relationships Among Us”, which offered them the opportunity to get to know one another better and to discuss themes related to a fruitful community life. The workshop helped them rediscover the importance of building unity, of honesty, and openness to growth.
The highlight of the day following the evening Mass, was the dinner prepared together in an atmosphere filled with joy. Recreation was not lacking. The sisters, taking a “journey through time,” created a photo album evoking the highlights of Salesian life.
The encounter concluded after Sunday Mass, with a final prayer during which the young FMA had the opportunity to renew their desire to live out fraternal life with an open and passionate heart. Each received a bracelet inscribed with the word “Fiat,” to serve as a reminder of Mary’s humble “yes” in their daily lives.
The Sisters have returned to their respective Communities happy and grateful for this time of encounter and deepening in such a favorable setting. Each of them has been strengthened in her sense of belonging to the Institute, with the certainty that along the journey of every FMA, the other is present always ready to draw near, and that mutual charity, as Jesus teaches, finds its source, foundation, and model in Him alone.
