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