Greetings and welcome to the Website of the European Council of Lay Dominican Fraternities (ECLDF). A website designed to assist in the greater communication of the mission of the Lay Fraternities of St Dominic [...]
Plan de formación y estudios para el uso de las Fraternidades Laicales de la Orden de Predicadores
El Maestro de la Orden aprueba el primer plan global de formación para laicos dominicos
El Maestro de la Orden de Predicadores ha aprobado la nueva Ratio Formationis et Studiorum Laicorum (RFSL), primer plan integral para las Fraternidades Laicales de Santo Domingo. Tras siete años de trabajo, busca fortalecer la formación humana e intelectual de los laicos y su participación en el carisma dominicano y la misión de predicación.
Plan de formation et d’études à l’usage des Fraternités laïques de l’Ordre des Prêcheurs
Le Maître de l’Ordre approuve le premier plan mondial de formation pour les laïcs dominicains
Le Maître de l’Ordre des Prêcheurs a approuvé la nouvelle Ratio Formationis et Studiorum Laicorum (RFSL), premier plan global pour les Fraternités Laïques de Saint Dominique. Fruit de sept ans de travail, il vise à renforcer la formation humaine et intellectuelle et à affirmer la participation des laïcs au charisme dominicain et à la mission de prédication.
Plan of Formation and Studies for the use of the Lay Fraternities of the Order of Preachers
Master of the Order approves first global formation plan for Dominican laity
The Master of the Order of Preachers has approved the new Ratio Formationis et Studiorum Laicorum (RFSL), the first comprehensive plan for the Lay Fraternities of St Dominic. Seven years in the making, it strengthens lay brothers’ and sisters’ human and intellectual formation and affirms their role in the Dominican charism and Church’s preaching mission.
Fraternity of bl.P. G. Frassati in Poznan – Poland
Prayer meeting. Frassati Among the Youth: Thousands Gather in a Powerful Prayer Meeting of Faith, Community, and Holiness.
The Fraternity of Blessed P. G. Frassati in Poznań, Poland, shares with us this unique experience that took place on 7th June.
Many people are asking: «Why is the coffin with Frassati’s body arriving? Isn’t it an exaggeration?»
I understand these questions. But as a lay Dominican, a member of the fraternity named after him, I want to say one thing: Frassati goes to the young again.
He climbed all his life – literally and spiritually – to lead others toward God. And today, too, he comes to us not as an exhibit, but as a brother and friend who shows that holiness is not a fiction.
In the Church, relics have always reminded us that God works through specific people. Those of Frassati are special because God willed to keep his body intact even after death, which is one of the signs of his holiness. So when Frassati stands among thousands of young people at Lednica, it won’t be theater. It will be a living invitation: holiness is also for you, live life to the fullest!
And we – who, like him, are lay members of the Order of Preachers, or lay Dominicans – want to be there with him. And with you.
A Day Close to Frassati: An Experience of Community, Presence, and Miracle.
7th June 2025 was one of those days that stay in the heart for a long time: a day full of grace, emotion, and witness to a living community. It is difficult to put into words all the richness of emotions that accompanied us during the Lednica gathering, but one thing is certain: it was an extraordinary time.
Pier Giorgio Frassati
What moved us most was the presence of the relics of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Having the opportunity to be so close to him—especially during the adoration and procession—became for many a spiritual experience difficult to describe. It was a feeling of genuine care and guidance. At one moment, the sun came out from behind the clouds, and moments later, when the downpour arrived, we took shelter in a tent. Had the rain fallen earlier, we would have had nowhere to hide. Was it merely a coincidence? For us, it was a sign of care from above.
The Mass That (Wasn’t) Supposed to Take Place
Although for a moment (due to the evacuation of the Lednica Fields) it seemed the Mass would not be celebrated, in the end, we gathered beside Frassati’s relics. It was moving—sharing the Eucharist together in a place so deeply marked by his presence. This prayer became the culmination of a day full of miracles.
The Youth: The Hope of the Church
A huge source of hope was also the presence of so many believing young people. It is gatherings like this that build faith and remind us that the Church is alive—in young hearts that want to follow Christ. Common prayer, witness, and presence showed that faith is alive and that community is strong.
Community: Strength and Gratitude
The day was also the fruit of immense work and commitment from many people in our Fraternity. What we managed to organise—the beautiful stand, the presence by the relics, the video, the roll-ups, the tent—was the result of collective action, prayer, and sacrifice of time. Every person contributed something, from logistics to spiritual support.
Without your commitment, patience, and heart, it would not have been possible to create such a beautiful experience. The Holy Spirit guided us, and Frassati, it seems, truly wanted us to be there at that moment—close to him, together.
Version française ci-dessous – English version dow
El sábado 10 de mayo a las 15:00, hora de Roma, webinar especial junto con la abogada Mariee Baldo, OP, que será la moderadora, y el ponente principal, Fray Ángel Villasmil, OP. El tema es: «El desafío de la verdad a través de la información», y se ofrecerá con traducción simultánea al inglés y al francés.
Fray Ángel presentará sobre el tema de la verdad desde la tradición católica y la reflexión teológica dominicana sobre la verdad de Dios y la verdad del ser humano ante Dios.
Le samedi 10 mai à 15h (heure de Rome), un webinaire spécial avec notre sœur laïque dominicaine du Venezuela, Maître Mariee Baldo, OP, et le conférencier principal, le frère Ángel Villasmil, OP. Ce webinaire, intitulé « Le défi de la vérité à travers l’information », se déroulera en espagnol avec interprétation en anglais et en français.
Le frère Ángel explorera le thème de la vérité à partir de la tradition catholique et de la réflexion théologique dominicaine sur la vérité de Dieu et celle de la personne humaine devant Dieu.
On Saturday, May 10th at 3 pm, Rome time, a special webinar with our Lay Dominican sister from Venezuela, Attorney Mariee Baldo, OP, and keynote presenter fr. Ángel Villasmil, OP, available through simultaneous interpretation in English, Spanish and French, titled: «The Challenge of Discerning Truth in Social Media».
Fr. Ángel will explore the theme of truth from the perspective of Catholic tradition and Dominican theological reflection on the truth of God and the truth of the human person before God.
Domenicani di Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Roma – Italia
Eucharistia. Commemorazione dell’anniversario dellanascita del Beato Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Oggi, 6 aprile 2025, nella storica Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva, a Roma, si celebrerà una solenne Santa Messa in occasione dell’anniversario della nascita del Beato Pier Giorgio Frassati. La cerimonia sarà presieduta da Sua Eminenza Reverendissima il Cardinale Marcello Semeraro, Prefetto del Dicastero per le Cause dei Santi.
Conosciuto come il «santo dei giovani», Pier Giorgio Frassati è stato beatificato da Papa Giovanni Paolo II nel 1990 e, se Dio vuole, sarà canonizzato da Papa Francesco il prossimo mese di agosto 2025. La sua vita esemplare, segnata dalla sua dedizione alla carità, alla giustizia sociale e al suo profondo amore per Cristo, continua a essere fonte di ispirazione per milioni di persone in tutto il mondo. Nonostante la sua breve vita, ha lasciato un’eredità indelebile, diventando un modello di santità accessibile nella vita quotidiana, specialmente tra i giovani.
La Santa Messa avrà inizio alle 18:00 in questa basilica iconica, situata in Piazza della Minerva. Questo spazio sacro offrirà il contesto ideale per rendere omaggio a un beato la cui vita continua a ispirare generazioni a vivere con fede, speranza e amore.
Eucharistia. Conmemoración del aniversario del nacimiento del Beato Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Hoy, 6 de abril de 2025, en la histórica Basílica de Santa Maria sopra Minerva, en Roma, se va a celebrar una solemne Santa Misa con motivo del aniversario del nacimiento del Beato Pier Giorgio Frassati. La ceremonia será presidida por Su Eminencia Reverendísima el Cardenal Marcello Semeraro, prefecto del Dicasterio para las Causas de los Santos.
Conocido como el «santo de los jóvenes», Pier Giorgio Frassati fue beatificado por el Papa Juan Pablo II en 1990 y, Dios mediante, será canonizado por el Papa Francisco el próximo mes de agosto de 2025. Su vida ejemplar, marcada por su dedicación a la caridad, la justicia social y su profundo amor a Cristo, sigue siendo fuente de inspiración para millones de personas en todo el mundo. A pesar de su corta vida, dejó un legado imborrable, convirtiéndose en un modelo de santidad accesible en la vida cotidiana, especialmente entre los jóvenes.
La Santa Misa comenzará a las 18:00 horas en esta emblemática basílica, situada en la Piazza della Minerva. Este espacio sagrado ofrecerá el contexto ideal para rendir homenaje a un beato cuya vida sigue inspirando a generaciones a vivir con fe, esperanza y amor.
Eucharistia. Commémoration du anniversaire de la naissance du Bienheureux Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Aujourd’hui, le 6 avril 2025, une solennelle Messe sera célébrée dans la Basilique de Santa Maria sopra Minerva, à Rome, à l’occasion de l’anniversaire de la naissance du Bienheureux Pier Giorgio Frassati. La cérémonie sera présidée par Son Éminence le Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Préfet du Dicastère pour les Causes des Saints.
Connu sous le nom de «saint des jeunes», Pier Giorgio Frassati a été béatifié par le Pape Jean-Paul II en 1990 et, si Dieu le veut, sera canonisé par le Pape François en août 2025. Sa vie exemplaire, marquée par son dévouement à la charité, à la justice sociale et son profond amour du Christ, continue d’inspirer des millions de personnes à travers le monde. Malgré sa vie courte, il a laissé un héritage indélébile, devenant un modèle de sainteté accessible dans la vie quotidienne, notamment parmi les jeunes.
La Messe commencera à 18h00 dans cette basilique emblématique, située sur la Piazza della Minerva. Cet espace sacré offrira le cadre idéal pour rendre hommage à un bienheureux dont la vie continue d’inspirer des générations à vivre avec foi, espérance et amour.
Eucharistia. Commemoration of the Anniversary of the Birth of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Today, 6th April 2025, a solemn Holy Mass will be celebrated at the historic Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome, to mark the anniversary of the birth of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. The ceremony will be presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
Known as the «saint of the young», Pier Giorgio Frassati was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1990 and, God willing, will be canonised by Pope Francis in August 2025. His exemplary life, marked by his dedication to charity, social justice, and his profound love for Christ, continues to inspire millions of people around the world. Despite his short life, he left an indelible legacy, becoming a model of holiness accessible in daily life, especially among young people.
The Holy Mass will begin at 6:00 PM at this iconic basilica, located in Piazza della Minerva. This sacred space will provide the perfect setting to pay tribute to a blessed whose life continues to inspire generations to live with faith, hope, and love.
Fraternity of bl.P. G. Frassati in Poznan – Poland
Recessus spiritualis. «The Shortest Retreats»: A Day of Repentance and Consolation during Lent.
As we journey towards Holy Week, the Dominican community in Poznań is offering an accessible yet deeply meaningful spiritual proposal: “The Shortest Retreats” – a day to pause, reconnect with God, and prepare the heart for Easter.
Entitled “Day of Repentance and Consolation”, the retreat will take place on Saturday 12th April, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Dominican Church in Poznań. This experience is especially designed for those unable to commit to several days of retreat but who still wish to enjoy a moment of deep encounter with the Lord during this liturgical season.
The retreat includes three short yet profound talks, moments of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Holy Eucharist, veneration of the Cross, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and a fraternal moment of agape. There will also be an opportunity for confession for those who wish.
The day before, on Friday 11th April, there will be a Stations of the Cross after the 5:00 p.m. Mass, as a spiritual introduction to the retreat.
The talks will be given by Fr. Krzysztof Lorczyk OP, Cecylia Mir OP, and Marcin Kawczyński OP, members of the Dominican community who will guide participants through this brief but intense journey of conversion.
This retreat is an invitation to pause amid daily responsibilities and let God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy renew our lives.
You can find the full story of the event and some images here.
Recessus spiritualis. «Los Retiros Más Breves»: Una jornada de arrepentimiento y consuelo en Cuaresma.
A medida que avanzamos hacia la Semana Santa, la comunidad dominicana de Poznań lanza una propuesta espiritual accesible y profundamente significativa: “Los Retiros Más Breves”, una jornada para detenerse, reencontrarse con Dios y preparar el corazón para la Pascua.
Bajo el título “Día de arrepentimiento y consuelo”, el retiro tendrá lugar el próximo sábado 12 de abril, de 12:30 a 15:30 horas, en la Iglesia de los Dominicos de Poznań. La experiencia está pensada especialmente para aquellos que no pueden comprometerse con varios días de retiro, pero desean vivir un momento intenso de encuentro con el Señor en este tiempo litúrgico.
El retiro incluirá tres conferencias breves pero profundas, espacios de adoración al Santísimo Sacramento, la Eucaristía, adoración de la Cruz, la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia y un momento fraterno de ágape. Además, quienes lo deseen podrán recibir el sacramento de la confesión durante la jornada.
El día anterior, viernes 11 de abril, se celebrará un Vía Crucis después de la misa de las 17:00 h, como introducción espiritual al retiro.
Las conferencias estarán a cargo de Fr. Krzysztof Lorczyk OP, Cecylia Mir OP y Marcin Kawczyński OP, miembros de la comunidad dominicana que acompañarán a los participantes en este breve pero intenso camino de conversión.
Este retiro es una invitación a hacer una pausa en medio de las obligaciones diarias y permitir que el amor, el perdón y la misericordia de Dios renueven nuestra vida.
Aquí pueden ver el relato completo de la noticia y algunas imágenes.
Recessus spiritualis. «Les Retraites les plus Brèves» : Une journée de repentir et de consolation pendant le Carême.
À l’approche de la Semaine Sainte, la communauté dominicaine de Poznań propose une initiative spirituelle à la fois accessible et profondément significative : « Les Retraites les plus Brèves », une journée pour faire une pause, se reconnecter à Dieu et préparer son cœur à Pâques.
Intitulée « Journée de repentir et de consolation », la retraite aura lieu le samedi 12 avril, de 12h30 à 15h30, à l’église des Dominicains de Poznań. Cette expérience s’adresse particulièrement à ceux qui ne peuvent pas participer à une retraite de plusieurs jours, mais qui souhaitent tout de même vivre un moment fort de rencontre avec le Seigneur en ce temps liturgique.
La retraite comprendra trois courtes conférences profondes, des temps d’adoration du Saint-Sacrement, l’Eucharistie, la vénération de la Croix, le Chapelet de la Divine Miséricorde, ainsi qu’un moment fraternel d’agape. Il sera également possible de recevoir le sacrement de confession pour ceux qui le souhaitent.
La veille, vendredi 11 avril, un Chemin de Croix aura lieu après la messe de 17h00, comme introduction spirituelle à la retraite.
Les conférences seront animées par le Père Krzysztof Lorczyk OP, Cecylia Mir OP et Marcin Kawczyński OP, membres de la communauté dominicaine qui accompagneront les participants dans ce court mais intense chemin de conversion.
Cette retraite est une invitation à faire une pause dans le tumulte du quotidien, et à laisser l’amour, le pardon et la miséricorde de Dieu renouveler nos vies.
Vous pouvez retrouver le récit complet de l’événement et quelques images ici.
