Sep 12, 2025 | NEWS
From August 25 to 31, nine Sisters from our Congregation decided to spend part of their summer vacation together in Pieniążkowice in the Podhale region, forming a community of different ages and nationalities. It was impossible not to notice that this time was prepared for us by God Himself, starting with the beautiful natural surroundings (and weather as well), through a house that encouraged us to be together and at the same time gave space for each of us individually, to the very composition of our temporary community.
We could go on and on about what we experienced during this special week. Breakfasts on the terrace overlooking the Tatra Mountains, walks in the meadows and forests, joint trips to nearby shrines (and more), “hydrotherapy” conducive to more and less serious conversations, evening card games, a shared table that was not “mandatory” and yet in a natural, spontaneous way always brought us together, the organization of the day giving us plenty of freedom without haste and respecting each person’s rhythm. Even something as ordinary as reading books in the same room and talking at the same time was a sign that we want to and know how to be gentle and sensitive to each other. Our vacation was also proof that we can be of different ages and speak different languages, but we will always communicate with the language of the heart.
Getting to know each other in the “vacation version,” when we can step out of our everyday roles, without the burden of our usual responsibilities, helps us to better understand the richness of the person next to us. This special time in Pieniążkowice is also proof that it is possible to relax well in the company of fellow sisters. And what we sometimes need most to renew our strength is to break out of the daily patterns that weaken the spirit.
s. Franciszka Jarnot
Aug 5, 2025 | NEWS
The 45th Wrocław Pilgrimage to Jasna Góra has set off, a week of prayer, community, and hard work offered to God. The slogan of this year’s pilgrimage is “Pilgrims of Hope,” and indeed, thousands of feet carry hope, prayers, and intentions for themselves and others.
Among the pilgrims are also our sisters: Sr. Barbara, Sr. Sylwia, Sr. Rachela, and Sr. Martyna, who are spending this holy time on the road together with the pilgrims.
Sister Barbara is taking on a special ministry, visiting pilgrim groups and introducing them to the figure of the Servant of God, Father Jan Schneider, founder of our Congregation. His life and spiritual heritage are an inspiration on the journey to Mary, who is the Mother of Hope.
We surround all pilgrims with our prayers, asking that each step they take brings them closer to God. We especially commend our sisters to the Lord, that He may be their strength and that Mary may lead them safely to the Jasna Góra Shrine.
Jul 19, 2025 | NEWS
Deacons at the tomb of Sister M. Dulcissima Hoffmann SMI
On Thursday morning, July 3, deacons from various parts of Poland arrived in Brzezia with their wives. They were accompanied by Fr. Jan Rosiek, their spiritual guide, and by a desire to meet the one who, though quiet and hidden, left a deep mark on the hearts of many: the servant of God, Sister M. Dulcissima Hoffmann, SMI.
This visit was part of an ongoing retreat in Rudy, a former Cistercian pearl of spirituality, where deacons are spending days of reflection under the slogan: “Do not let your hope be taken away.” It was this phrase that became particularly meaningful in Brzezie, a place where hope not only does not fade, but blossoms anew.
The meeting began at the tomb of Sister Dulcissima, where the Chaplet of Divine Mercy was recited together. The silence of prayer was broken only by the rustling of linden leaves and the quiet murmur of heartbeats.
“She is our saint. I have felt her presence many times in my life,” confessed Deacon Marek Czogalik from the Diocese of Gliwice with emotion. “Dulcissima instilled hope in people. And she continues to do so.”
After praying together, I invited our pilgrims to a more personal encounter—both with the life story of this exceptional Silesian mystic and with Jesus himself. We visited the memorial room in our convent, a place where everyone can pause for a moment to reflect on the traces of her simple yet deeply moving life. I also encouraged them to enter the chapel—that small space of silence where the heart of our community beats every day.
And because spiritual experiences are best rooted in an atmosphere of kindness and closeness, there was also a traditional Silesian refreshment: coffee and homemade cake. Such ordinary hospitality, as simple as the life of Sister Dulcissima, has been part of everyday life in our Brest monastery for years – a place that lives with open doors and an open heart.
In the convent chapel, surrounded by silence and prayer, the participants recited Vespers and then attended Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Jan Rośka from Rud. It was a moment full of gratitude, gentle emotion, and spiritual depth.
One of the thoughts that particularly accompanied me that day was that the Gospel needs people—hearts ready to witness and mouths ready to speak. We must talk about Jesus constantly—gently, with love, but also with courage—at every moment and on every occasion.
The saints also ask for a voice. They want to be noticed—not for themselves, but to point to God. They seek spiritual friendship, closeness of hearts that are willing to listen to their stories. And when this happens, their lives become signposts for others—silent, yet full of light.
I am happy to say that Sister Dulcissima is becoming more and more well-known. More and more people are coming to Brzezia to entrust their concerns to her, to ask for help, to find hope. It is extremely moving that from this quiet corner of Silesia, a light is spreading – humble, yet clear.
I would like to add that the constant ringing of the bell at the convent door speaks for itself—on that day, it announced the arrival of a 55-person pilgrimage from Krzelów. These are simple, everyday sounds, yet full of meaning. They say one thing: Dulcissima lives in people’s hearts. Her quiet, hidden life is taking root more and more widely – because where there is holiness, people return. I invite you to visit Brzezie in Racibórz.
S. Małgorzata Cur
May 24, 2025 | NEWS
With Sister Dulcissima to the depths of the heart
In Kokoszyce, at the Retreat Center of the Archdiocese of Katowice, an extraordinary retreat dedicated to the Mother of God took place. Its theme, “With Mary to the depths of the heart,” led participants into a world of prayer, reflection, and entrustment, so close to the spirituality of Sister Dulcissima Hoffmann.
Each day of the retreat was a true spiritual feast, from communal rosary prayers and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament to reflections on the Word of God in a Marian spirit. In their conferences and homilies, Fr. Przemysław Krakowczyk, SAC, and Sr. Małgorzata showed how Mary accompanies us in our daily lives, leading us to Jesus and helping us to discern God’s will.
The central moment of the day was the Eucharist, celebrated with deep concentration and joy. In the silence of the retreat house, participants were able to entrust their intentions, requests, and thanks to Mary through the intercession of Sister Dulcissima.
There was also time for personal reflection and rest surrounded by nature, which was conducive to calm and encounter with God. Many participants emphasized that these retreats were a time not only of prayer but also of inner strengthening, finding peace, and renewing their relationship with Mary.
The retreat in Kokoszyce reminded us that Mary is a Mother who constantly leads us to Christ, and the figure of Sister Dulcissima is an inspiration to many on how to entrust their lives to God with simplicity and humility.
Sister Małgorzata Cur, SMI
May 24, 2025 | NEWS
Last weekend in Racibórz was a true celebration of spirit and culture. From May 16 to 18, the heart of the city beat to the rhythm of prayer, reflection, art, and music. All this was thanks to the fourth edition of Dulcissimia Days, which attracted residents and visitors eager to experience something unique.
On Friday evening, participants gathered at the Church of St. Matthew and St. Matthew the Apostles to enter into the atmosphere of spiritual encounter in silence and prayer. The atmospheric vigil allowed them to break away from everyday life and immerse themselves in the depths of prayer and reflection.
On Saturday, everyone moved to the Piast Castle in Racibórz, where the symposium “S. M. Dulcissima in Art and Oratory” delighted with a wealth of topics and the personalities of the speakers. Inspiring lectures, passionate discussions about spirituality, literature, the singing soul of Sister Dulcissima, as well as meetings with exceptional guests meant that there was something for everyone. A solemn Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Jan Kopiec and meditation on the icon “St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her spiritual friend Sister Dulcissima” added depth and beauty to the event.
The evening debate “Does the modern world need saints?” touched hearts and minds, provoking reflection on the place of holiness in today’s world. And later? Marcin Styczeń’s atmospheric concert “Święci” (Saints) resounded with music that transported listeners into a world of poetry and spiritual delight.
Sunday was a time of joy and family celebration. Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Andrzej Czaja, a family picnic in the monastery garden in Brzezie, and the May Concert of Sacred Music created an atmosphere full of warmth and community. The Brzezie Choir, guest choirs from the Czech Republic, the Youth Symphony Orchestra of the State Music School in Gliwice, and invited artists provided musical emotions that will remain in the memories of the participants for a long time.
The Dulcissimia Days showed how important it is to pause, celebrate together, and share beauty. It was a time full of emotion, spiritual depth, and encounters that will remain in the hearts of all those present for a long time.
The Dulcissimia Days have once again proven that the figure of Sister M. Dulcissima Hoffmann can inspire both spiritual reflection and creative encounters with art.
The organizers—the Congregation of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate, Polish Province, Racibórz County, and Piast Castle—are already inviting everyone to the fifth edition of the event.
Sister Małgorzata Cur, SMI
May 15, 2025 | NEWS
On Good Shepherd Sunday, May 11, 2025, in the University Church of the Holy Name of Jesus in Wrocław, once again, we, the Sisters of Mary Immaculate, together with the faithful, prayed for the gift of beatification of the Servant of God, Fr. Jan Schneider, the Wrocław apostle of mercy and founder of our Congregation. During the Mass, in his moving homily, Fr. Arkadiusz, the parish priest, presented our Servant of God as a prophet for our times, a priest with a pure heart, completely devoted to God. He who, in the second half of the 19th century in Wrocław, saved young girls standing on the brink of evil, he who devoted his life to serving poor girls by running a shelter for them, is still a sign of hope for the world today. Today, when so many spiritual dangers lurk for young people, Fr. Schneider points to Mary as the way to Jesus and a pure heart as the source of true love and happiness. After Mass, together with the faithful, we prayed before the image of Our Lady Help of Wrocław. We entrusted ourselves, our families, and especially young people to the care of Mary with the words of entrustment of our servant of God, Fr. Jan Schneider.
Sister Barbara
