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