With Mary through life – joyful retreat with Sister Dulcissima
Mary, form my soul into a living Magnificat! – these words of Sister Dulcissima Hoffmann accompanied the participants of the retreat, which took place from September 15 to 18, 2025, at the Retreat Center of the Archdiocese of Katowice in Kokoszyce. Fifty people from various parts of Poland took part in the retreat, wishing to deepen their relationship with Christ and the Blessed Mother.
The retreat in Kokoszyce, conducted in the spirit of the Servant of God Sister Dulcissima Hoffmann, became more than just a time of reflection. It was like a journey—quiet, yet full of light—which the participants took together with Mary and under the guidance of this extraordinary Marian sister.
Dulcissima’s words: “Mary, form my soul into a living Magnificat!” returned like a refrain, reminding us that Christianity is not a theory or merely a set of practices, but a song of the heart that allows itself to be shaped by God.
Silence that speaks
In Kokoszyce, silence was not emptiness, but a space for encounter. Sister Dulcissima seemed to suggest today: “The more I remain silent, the louder Jesus speaks in me.” This truth could almost be touched during adoration, when shared silence became unity of hearts in God.
Silence gave birth to prayer, and prayer built community. Invisible bonds united the participants—people from different parts of Poland—in the experience that the Church is truly a family.
The Way of Mary—the way of the heart
A special moment during the retreat was the “Way of Mary” service, celebrated among the forest alleys. Each station — from the Immaculate Conception to glory in heaven — taught that Mary is not a distant figure from the pages of the Gospel, but a close Mother, present in everyday life.
Sister Dulcissima’s words became closer: “Just look at her with your heart, and she will teach you how to live ordinary days in an extraordinary way.” This call resonated particularly strongly—because Marian devotion does not end with prayer, but permeates every gesture, every word, every patient “yes” spoken to God’s will.
Holiness in simplicity
The joy of the community was expressed during Sister Dulcissima’s name day. There was coffee, cake, conversation—and in the background, the awareness that holiness is born in such moments of simplicity. Dulcissima wrote: “Holiness is born in everyday smiles.” And it was clear to see: faith does not take away the ordinariness of life, but makes it a place of God’s presence.
The retreat ended with an Act of Entrustment to Mary, which left a deep sense of peace in the hearts of the participants. It was the seal of the retreat — a promise that the journey with Mary does not end in Kokoszyce, but continues into everyday life, into ordinary days that can become a living Magnificat.
Our spiritual renewal in Kokoszyce became a living Magnificat, praise of God together with Mary and under the care of Sister Dulcissima, who shows with her life how suffering can be transformed into a source of hope and peace.
Fr. Przemysław Krakowczyk, SAC, who led our retreat, emphasized:
“The story of Sister Dulcissima shows us that Mary is not a distant, historical figure, but a living presence who accompanies us in both joys and sufferings. Her example teaches us that Marian devotion is not just about saying prayers or wearing a medal, but a deep, personal relationship with the One who most perfectly led us to Christ.”
A pilgrimage that does not end the journey
The culmination of the retreat was a trip to Raciborski Brzezie, where Sister Dulcissima is buried. The prayer at her grave was not a farewell, but a beginning. The words of the Servant of God: “I want to be like a seed hidden in the ground, so that only Jesus may grow” reminded us that her life—quiet and hidden—became fertile soil from which the fruits of faith grow.
Sr. M. Małgorzata Cur, SMI
Sewing course at our convent in Manila
At our convent in Manila, we have completed another edition of a project aimed at supporting women by teaching them practical skills. Thanks to the financial support of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in the Philippines, we were able to organize sewing courses that give women a real chance for professional development and improved living conditions.
Another group of graduates
Today, another course came to an end. Eight participants took part in it and learned how to sew school uniforms, dresses, pillowcases, fitted sheets, curtains, and many other items. At the end, each of them received a certificate of completion, as well as a sewing machine and a bale of fabric, so that they could start their own business and provide for their families.
Next steps
Next week, we will welcome ten new participants to the second edition of this year’s course at the monastery. We are delighted that our community can be a place where women acquire new skills and hope for a better future.
Mission and support
The project is primarily aimed at single mothers and sole breadwinners. For many of them, the opportunity to learn sewing and start a small business is a step towards independence, stability, and a dignified life.
We are grateful to the Polish Embassy in Manila and to all those who support our missionary work. Thanks to this, we can not only run courses, but also make a real difference in the lives of those who need help the most.
Sr. M. Agata Sobczyk
City honors Sister Felicitas’s achievements
Cochem. Following the Wine and Heritage Festival, the city of Cochem hosted its traditional reception at the Reichsburg castle last Wednesday. Mayor Walter Schmitz welcomed numerous guests from politics, administration, and local associations. He also welcomed the new wine royalty: Wine Queen Alicia Steffens and Wine Princess Lea Schlag, who had taken over their roles from Viktoria Göbel and Johanna Heimes.
In his speech, Schmitz gave an entirely positive assessment of the five-day Wine and Heritage Festival: “Despite the negative weather forecasts, we were able to celebrate a joyful, atmospheric, and peaceful festival—without any notable incidents.” He particularly highlighted the efforts of the city’s employees, winegrowers, associations, and helpers. With over €261,000 in sales, a new record was also set.
The social highlight of the reception was the presentation of the 2025 Coat of Arms Plate, the highest award of the city of Cochem. The city council unanimously decided to bestow this honor on Sister Felicitas Pöller.
Born in 1954, she joined the Order of the Sisters of Mary in 1973 and took over the convent in Cochem in 2012.
Previously, she had worked as a teacher, home manager, and pastoral caregiver in elderly care. She quickly settled into life on the Moselle, where she had initially not wanted to go, even though her arrival had been bumpy: on the train, her bag containing all her papers was stolen. But she was warmly welcomed in Cochem.
From the very beginning, she was a point of contact for many people in all situations: “She was able to inspire, listen and get things done,” Schmitz praised. Sister Felicitas accompanied the sick and dying, offered comfort and confidence, and was deeply rooted in the life of the city. She organized aid campaigns for children in a Roma camp in Slovakia and stood up for those in need.
She was also known for her small gestures: she once casually mentioned to the mayor that the convent prayed every morning for the city and municipal administration.
When the convent was dissolved in 2025 after more than 70 years in Cochem, Sister Felicitas had to return to her former place of work in Berlin with a heavy heart, in accordance with her vows.
Her departure moved many Cochem residents deeply, and petitions and letters were sent in an attempt to persuade her to stay – in vain. “Cochem has lost a good Christian soul in her,” said Schmitz.
This made it all the more joyful that she has now returned to Cochem and been honored at the Reichsburg.
The guests responded to the decision with long applause. “After all her commitment to her fellow human beings, it was only logical to award her the coat of arms plate,” explained Schmitz at the presentation.
Wochenspiegel September 10, 2025
Image: Jens Weber
An enlarged community in Indonesia
At the end of August, Sister Sylwia Frączek from Poland joined our mission in Indonesia.
Sister Sylwia is a catechist who eagerly and actively works with children and young people. We needed someone like her in Flores, in the parish where our sisters serve. The local people welcomed Sister Sylwia with great joy. Her arrival coincided with the celebration of Sister Augusta’s 50th birthday, so the sisters and candidates organized a party in the community and invited their closest colleagues. Let us thank God for the development of our mission in Indonesia and remember this beautiful work in our prayers.
Next graduates of our school in Mwanga
Tanzanian Region we amazing in God for great things which done for us!
We would like to thank God for His grace and blessings upon our Congregation, especially in our Tanzania Region, where He has brought us safely through various events and activities that we have successfully carried out.
On August 30, 2025, we held the second graduation ceremony for our Standard Seven class at John Schneider Pre and Primary School at Mwanga. The celebration was very beautiful, and both our children and their parents were filled with joy. This year’s event was even better than last year’s, as more parents participated in large numbers.
Additionally, the parents expressed their wish and request for us to continue to care and to teach the children in good moral and in human dignity as we done from the beginning. They expressed that because, in our school, the children receive excellent spiritual and physical care.
Here is our Standard Seven Pupils. Who graduated this Year 2025
sr. Agnes