Nov 17, 2025 | NEWS
Panel on Sister Dulcissima Hoffmann at the Upper Silesian Pantheon
On November 5, 2025, in Katowice, at the headquarters of the cultural institution – the Upper Silesian Pantheon, located in the basement of the Archcathedral of Christ the King, a panel discussion entitled “Everything Out of Love” was held. The meeting was dedicated to Sister Dulcissima Hoffmann, one of the most moving and spiritually profound figures of the Silesian Church.
The event brought together numerous clergy, scholars, journalists, and faithful who wanted to deepen their reflection on her life, spirituality, and message. The meeting was part of the Archdiocese of Katowice’s jubilee year, celebrating its 100th anniversary, and its aim was also to support the ongoing process of beatification of Sister Dulcissima.
The event was initiated by Adam Kraśnicki, who has been associated with the Catholic Programs Department of Polish Television for many years. The panel was opened by Ryszard Kopiec, director of the Upper Silesian Pantheon, who emphasized the importance of remembering Sister Dulcissima for the spiritual heritage of the region.
The speakers included representatives of various fields—theology, philosophy, church history, and medicine—who introduced the participants to the phenomenon of the Silesian mystic’s spirituality. Their reflections showed that Sister Dulcissima’s message remains relevant and inspiring for contemporary people as well.
The panel was moderated by Dominika Szczawińska, who did not shy away from difficult and sometimes provocative questions – about the meaning of suffering, the image of God, and the human attitude towards extreme experiences when the Creator seems to “demand” suffering.
The spiritual and artistic complement to the meeting was the monodrama “Two Sisters” performed by Krakow actress Izabela Drobotowicz-Orkisz, with musical accompaniment by Dominika Salik. The 20-minute performance showed the spiritual bond between Sister Dulcissima and St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
After the performance, the actress emphasized:
“The adventure with Sister Dulcissima is one of the most beautiful. Her cry touched my heart deeply: ‘Jesus, give me the flight of an eagle. I don’t want to sit on the ground like a partridge.’” The juxtaposition of the thoughts of Sister Dulcissima and St. Thérèse helped the participants enter into the mystery of the cross—or rather, the mystery of love, which human beings are capable of even in suffering, if they can make it a gift offered to God and other people.
Barbara Gruszka-Zych, journalist and poet, drew attention to Sister Dulcissima’s extraordinary approach to everyday life and suffering:
“She taught that every day of life is a celebration. Even more, that even suffering can be a celebration because it is a gift from Jesus Christ, the Beloved. This is a great mystery and challenge.”
Prof. Henryk Olszar noted:
“Looking at Sister Dulcissima and reminding young people of her is a useful and commendable thing. Young people have their advocate in her.”
The meeting ended with a solemn Eucharist in the chapel of St. Thérèse of Lisieux at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Silesia, celebrated by Bishop Marek Szkudło. Prayer and contemplation were a natural conclusion to the evening, which symbolically united two spiritual figures—Sister Dulcissima and Little Thérèse.
The atmosphere of the entire event was full of reflection and gratitude for the spiritual legacy left by Sister Dulcissima Hoffmann.
The participants unanimously emphasized that the life of Sister Dulcissima Hoffmann is still a living source of inspiration—an example of courage, joy, and boundless trust in God.
S.M. Małgorzata Cur
Oct 27, 2025 | NEWS
When Pope Francis announced the Jubilee Year 2025, I felt a desire to make a pilgrimage to the Eternal City, to the tombs of the Apostles. I planned to go to Rome with my family, but in the end, it was an invitation from Mother General that motivated me to participate in the Jubilee of Consecrated Life. I didn’t make any arrangements with any of the sisters, I found a convenient connection, and my superior bought my tickets for the trip back in February. A lot had changed by the time of departure. I changed my place of work and took on new responsibilities. But in the end, everything worked out. As it turned out, God made sure that I would not be traveling alone. Sisters from the Generalate accompanied us on the trip. They were like the angel Raphael to Tobias for me, especially Sister Róża. Staying at the Generalate was an experience of the internationality of the Congregation and of how differences can be enriching.
I participated in the program prepared by the Dicastery for Consecrated Life and Secular Institutes together with Sister Klara Trzęsowska. On the very first day, I was deeply moved by the prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica and the reflections on hope, especially the words: Hope is a little girl walking through the world… We often expect great things, but pay little attention to what is small. Today, hope seems to barely smolder in the world, in families, and sometimes even in the hearts of those consecrated to God. But it cannot fail, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Rom 5:5). For me, this hope was the prayer of consecrated persons from all over the world gathered together. The meetings with Leo XIV were extremely encouraging. During the Wednesday audience in St. Peter’s Square, I was touched by his words: Christian joy does not exclude suffering. For me, these words had a very personal meaning in the context of my experiences over the last few years. Indeed, I feel in my heart love, joy, peace… (Gal 5:22) and I try even more to share it.
I am grateful to Sister Klara for the fact that, despite my oversight, I was able to participate in conferences and workshops for consecrated persons in the Paul VI Hall. I listened to the testimonies of sisters working in different parts of the world, in different cultures, often in difficult conditions. What united us was the joy of the Gospel and a passion for life for Jesus, the Church, and people. During these meetings, the Pope also came to us. The long wait for the Holy Father was accompanied by singing and general excitement, which intensified when Leo XIV finally appeared. This time, he reminded us that we, the consecrated, are a sign of hope for the world and for our communities.
The last day of the Jubilee of Consecrated Life was combined with the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, which was attended by many lay people who came to pray with the Pope for peace in the world in the presence of a statue of the Mother of God brought from Fatima at the express request of the Holy Father. This prayerful evening rosary service took place in silence and concentration. The thought arose in my heart that Our Lady had come here for me… And the words from the Pope’s Sunday homily to be a womb
for the Word of God, like Mary, and to be a person of peace with gentle firmness, like her, continue to work
in me to this day.
In addition to my experiences participating in organized services, I joyfully passed through the Holy Door, asking for the gift of the jubilee indulgence and visiting the other great Roman basilicas. A powerful experience, where I was touched by the atmosphere of the place and God’s light, was praying at the tomb of St. John Paul II and Pope Francis. The latter in particular impressed me with his simplicity and humility, often misunderstood by Europeans.
Our last outing with Sister Klara to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and the trip to the mother of churches, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, led us, as a result of a mistake, to another interesting place—
the Basilica of St. Clement, where St. Ignatius of Antioch and St. Clement, the fourth pope in the history of the Church, are buried.
The pilgrimage passed quickly, and I happily returned to Poland with Sister Róża. What remains are not only memories. What remains is a message, experiences, an invitation to share
with love and faith, giving hope to those with whom I spend my daily life. I am grateful to Mother General for the invitation and to all those who helped me fulfill a desire that I am convinced was inspired in me by God Himself.
s. M. Michaela Musiał
Oct 14, 2025 | NEWS
The Regional Chapter of the Tanzania Region is taking place in Chikukwe from October 12 to 18. The theme of the Chapter is: “Consecrated Life: New Hope in Christ.” Sixteen sisters from the Tanzania Region are participating in the Chapter. They are joined by the Superior General, Sr. Sybilla Kołtan, and the General Councilor, Sr. Franciszka Jarnot. The moderator and expert in canon law is Bishop Lazaro Msimbe, Ordinary of the Diocese of Morogoro. The topics scheduled for discussion during the Chapter concern: spiritual life and formation, community life, the role of the superior and obedience, as well as our apostolate and economic matters. The Chapter will end on Saturday with a joint thanksgiving to God for the graces received during the Chapter and for the fruits of this time.
Oct 1, 2025 | NEWS
Sep 21, 2025 | NEWS
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
Sep 21, 2025 | NEWS
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
