Catholic nuns gather at Jasna Góra for pilgrimage

Catholic nuns from across Poland gathered at Jasna Góra for a two-day pilgrimage held under the theme ‘Called, Sent’. The event focused on expressing gratitude for religious vocations and addressing concerns regarding the declining number of new members entering religious life.

Bishop Jacek Kiciński, Chairman of the Commission for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Associations of Apostolic Life at the Conference of the Bishops of Poland, emphasized the importance of consecrated life in the modern world. He described the presence of religious sisters as a ‘panacea for today’s hunger for spirituality and community.’

Sister Aleksandra Hów, chair of the Permanent Formation Commission, noted that religious orders are facing a shortage of vocations regardless of their specific traditions. She compared the current state of religious life to the transition from summer to autumn, noting a period of decline following the high numbers of vocations seen in the 1990s.