Václav Groh

Father Václav is from Nová Paka, where he grew up in a devout family, surrounded by people who gently guided him toward God from childhood. He had heard about the Order of Minims—which was active in his hometown until the Josephinist reforms—even as a young boy, and perhaps that was when his desire for a consecrated life began. He helped out at the church, had a close relationship with the local sexton, and knew that his life’s path would take a spiritual direction.

Nevertheless, he graduated from a secondary school specializing in electrical engineering and worked for several years as an electrical installer of power distribution equipment. But his spiritual calling prevailed. In 1985, he entered the seminary in Litoměřice, and five years later, in 1990, he was ordained a priest.

When the Minims returned to the Czech lands after the fall of communism, Václav felt it was time to move on. In 1994, he wrote a letter to the order expressing his desire to get to know their order and community better. The friars visited him—and together they realized they belonged together. A year later, on August 15, 1995, his spiritual journey fully unfolded. Václav entered the Order of Minims of St. Francis of Paola in Vranov u Brna. He then took his first religious vows in Massa Lubrense, Italy, and his perpetual vows back in Vranov u Brna. He continued his ministry within the Order as a parish priest. Today he is officially retired, but he still serves as a chaplain.

Father Václav sees life in the order as a path of fidelity, quiet listening, and daily service. For him, religious life is not a closed-off world, but a space where one can live the Gospel to the fullest—in a Lenten spirit, with an emphasis on humility, prayer, and practical help for one’s neighbors. He says that “when a person is not united with God, he proclaims only himself.” That is why his inner union with Christ—in prayer, in the sacraments, and in relationships—is most important to him.

His greatest joy is celebrating Mass and praying together with other friars. There he draws strength and peace. As a chaplain, he remains dedicated to the parish—he celebrates Mass, administers the sacraments, visits the sick, and brings them hope and comfort. He is present in a human way and spiritually grounded. He believes that even small acts of love—a visit, a blessing, an attentive conversation—can change a life.

In his free time, he loves working in the garden, especially pruning fruit trees. He sees caring for them as a reflection of spiritual growth: to bear fruit, a person must be willing to let themselves be shaped. He often carries a rosary in his hand—a prayer to which he joyfully returns again and again. And he loves to immerse himself in the stories of the saints—the biographies of people who lived their lives with faith and courage.

He finds inspiration in the motto of the Order of Minims—“Charitas,” meaning love and mercy. He elaborates on it himself:
“Let us be merciful, just as our heavenly Father is merciful.” For him, this is both a challenge and a yardstick for each day. And when he has something to say to someone, he says simply, with a smile, “Praise the Lord!” And to young people he says, “Jesus loves you. And what about you? Will you answer Him?”

For him, the spiritual center in Vranov u Brna is not just a place of peace, but a vibrant community of prayer, work, and mutual sharing—for both friars and laypeople. It is a space where faith becomes a reality, where one can find support, silence, and a new direction.

Father Václav is a man of deep faith, inner peace, and simple sincerity. He has dedicated his life to God and His service—quietly, with trust and joy. Every day he fills his time with prayer, work, listening, and being present for others. His witness reminds us that holiness is not distant—it is born in the everyday. In silence, faithfulness, and love.

And if you feel a calling somewhere deep inside—even if it’s just a gentle touch—don’t brush it aside.
Come. Stop by. The Spiritual Center in Vranov is an open house for all who are searching.