At the very end of June (30th), a celebration took place in Opočno, at the former Capuchin monastery: it was a grander commemoration of the laying of the foundation stone, marking 350 years since it was placed. After the Holy Mass, celebrated by the General Vicar of Hradec Králové, Jan Paseka, and a sermon given by the provincial brother Vojtěch, there was a presentation of Capuchin life. Brother Vojtěch was assisted by brother Petr. We then moved to the monastery garden, where the program continued, organized by Petr Kubasa and the Museum and Gallery of the Orlické Mountains. Our meeting with Countess Kristina Colloredo-Mansfeld was very significant. The representative of the family that helped introduce the Capuchins to Opočno asked during the farewell, "Will you return here permanently?" It was a pity that the planned program was abruptly interrupted by rain...
On Monday, July 1st, we celebrated the wedding of our tertiarian Nadia Balejová. A more intense time began for us, as we cared for the guests coming to rest in our monastery. You may have heard something about the life story of Benjamin Levíček; we remembered him during the Holy Mass (July 4th). We were pleasantly surprised by the Jesuit visit from Olomouc (July 6th), and we quickly arranged for Father Michal Altrichter SJ to delight us with his presence once more. He will preside over the liturgy on St. Francis' Day. We also thank for the lovely opportunity to serve a mass among the scouts (July 7th) at Volešek.
On Saturday, July 13th, we had the opportunity to enjoy beautiful music in a spiritual setting with newly restored paintings. Thus, at 7 PM at St. Felix, a concert took place to commemorate the two-hundredth anniversary of the birth of the Austrian composer and organist Anton Bruckner. Bruckner's 7th Symphony, arranged by Luis Carvalho, was performed by the Prague Collegium, conducted by Jan Pellant. It was a very strong experience. The next day (July 14th) brought another strong moment for the entire parish: during the Holy Mass at St. Wenceslas, Bishop Vlastimil expressed gratitude to the departing Father Jarosław and welcomed the new pastor Father Ondřej Urbisz. In the monastery, we had the opportunity for private farewells and welcomes, as both fathers visited us on Tuesday, July 16th.
Brother Jan was involved in a day camp titled "God Blesses the Brave" from July 15th to 19th, led by the Franciscan sisters from Strážov. Brother Petr followed with his service from July 21st to 27th at EnterJunior, where the main topic was the women of Jesus' genealogy, and brother Petr was waiting for a discourse on the brave Rahab. It was pleasant to see how many children from Sušice and the surrounding area appeared in Ktiš. Brother Samuel faithfully took care of the house and garden. Perhaps you noticed that another part of the monastery has been freshly painted. And brother Damián drove through the Moravian fields with a combine, and still managed to arrange over a week-long excursion for a small enthusiast in agricultural technology.
On Thursday, August 1st, a major cleaning of the church took place, which is an unmistakable sign that the Porciunkula feast is around the corner. On the feast day, August 2nd, services were held at 9, 11, and 6 PM at St. Felix. The 9 AM mass was celebrated by Father Jan Turek, who many know from his earlier work in Sušice. The main pilgrimage mass at 11 AM was presided over by brother Vojtěch Dvouletý OFMCap., as we welcomed the new Capuchin provincial in the monastery. The 6 PM liturgy was led by brother Jan. The praise band Chevra performed excellently during the morning services. Confessors were available from 8:30 AM to 12 PM and then from 5 to 7 PM. We are very grateful to the priests who came to serve the sacrament of reconciliation. Thanks also go to all the helpers who prepared and decorated the church, assisted pilgrims, or participated in the liturgy. We also thank for the provided refreshments. A big thank you goes to all donors for the pilgrimage collection for the next stage of restoring the church paintings.
We celebrated Our Lady of the Angels of Porciunkula once more: on Saturday, August 3rd, and then again on August 4th in Opočno. Brother Petr went there again with provincial brother Vojtěch: to preside at the Holy Mass, hear confessions, and later be part of the liturgy with the apostolic nuncio in the Czech Republic. Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo won us over with his directness. The personal meeting with him was very encouraging: full of warmth, humor, and mutual listening.
On Saturday, August 10th, we visited Strážov. Sister Anežka Křivánková FMI made her first religious vows there in the church of St. George. Unexpectedly, we met with confreres from the Prague community: brother Bonaventura and Marián. After this religious wedding, we slowly began to shift our focus to another wedding season. Brother Jan and brother Petr were finishing preparations with the engaged couples. We are very grateful to all the married couples who also participated in the preparations. And on Saturday, August 17th, it finally happened: at 11 AM in Žihobce, brother Jan married Lukáš and Michala, at 2 PM in Lešišov, brother Petr was the witness to the marriage vow of Michal and Lucie... We thank everyone who prayed that morning for good weather for the wedding attendees. It turned out wonderfully!
Meanwhile, from August 16th to 20th, a Family Camp was held in Petrovicích, also a bit under the Capuchin wings. Sometimes we would appreciate bilocation. This year's meeting motto was taken from the prophet Isaiah (65:16): "Become a blessing." One of the guests, Joseph Byrtus, an excellent expert in Judaism, had something to say on this topic. We also welcomed the newly ordained priest Vojtěch Razim among us. In his encouragement, he linked "being a blessing to others" and "awareness." The evenings were dedicated to praise prayer, intercessory prayer, and the sacrament of reconciliation. We thank everyone who found time to come to Petrovicích, as well as the band and organizers: Aleš Jahoda, Lucie Švehlová, and their families.
Currently, we are having a wonderful time meeting guests from Zlaté Hory and Brno, who regularly come to us. Father Petr Šikula, who spent some time in Rome, also "rolled in" with them, bringing along a pizza oven. Not only did he turn into a pizzaiolo and our garden gazebo into a pizzeria, but he also eagerly showed all interested how to make pizza. Next time, he'll be handing out certificates.
And what awaits us now? We are looking forward to the Sušice pilgrimage... And we also invite you in advance to the Transitus on October 3rd and the Feast of St. Francis on October 4th, which will be celebrated in the Jesuit manner.
the Capuchin brothers
Published in the summer Parish Newsletter {filefile_5076}
