From 11th – 13th November 2016, in Poland, there took place the first official visit of our guest the Rev. Fr. Karl Stehlin, previous Superior of this country and Eastern Europe, who introduced Catholic Tradition into this region 22 years ago. The SSPX Asia Superior came first of all as a world Director of M.I. to the homeland of St. Maximilian Kolbe, M.I. founder in 1917. Fr. Stehlin, in the year 2000, reactivated M.I. in Poland, in the spirit of the founder as the Militia Immaculatae Traditional Observance.
During these days Father visited 3 centers of the apostolate: the chapel in Poznan, the Priory in Cracow and the Priory in Warsaw. In connection with this opportunity, conferences were held to promote Fr. Stehlin’s new book: “Fatima: A Spiritual Guide For Our Times” attended by about 800 faithful.
In each of the centres of the apostolate, Fr. Stehlin celebrated Holy Mass and gave 3 conferences. The first conference was about Fatima. During the lecture Father emphasized the great importance of the apparitions of Our Lady in Fatima and also of the means which had been indicated by the Mother of God: the Rosary and devotion to Her Immaculate Heart. During the second conference our guest spoke about the apostolate of the SSPX in Asia. The subject matter of the third conference focused on the Militia Immaculatae. Powerful lectures were reinforced with a beautiful slideshow of Fatima, of St. Maximilian and of the great work in Asia. After the conferences Father Karl Stehlin accepted 143 new Knights: 40 new Knights in Poznan (Poznań); 17 new Knights in Cracow (Kraków) and 86 knights in Warsaw (Warszawa).
All meetings were held in a warm, touching atmosphere. Entering into Poznan chapel Father said: “It seems to me like I never left this place before…”.
We look forward do your next visit in Poland dear Father!
Joanna Tryjanowska (Poland)
