Polish Catholic Church designates August 2026 as month of abstinence

The Polish Catholic Church has proclaimed August 2026 the “Month of Abstinence,” urging the faithful to voluntarily refrain from alcohol for the entire month. The appeal, issued by Bishop Tadeusz Bronakowski, chair of the Conference of Polish Bishops’ Committee for Sobriety and Addiction (KEP), links the initiative to the 70th anniversary of the Jasna Góra vows (Jasnogórskie Śluby Narodu) first made on 26 August 1956. Bishop Bronakowski stresses national responsibility, moral renewal and the need to combat widespread alcohol abuse, noting that Poland’s per‑capita consumption (≈11.7 L of pure alcohol) exceeds the EU average of about 10 L. Across the country, dioceses and parishes are organising pilgrimages to Jasna Góra, publishing sobriety books, holding workshops and special masses. The campaign also highlights related social problems such as under‑age drinking, nicotine, drug use and digital addictions, urging a united effort to foster a sober, faithful nation.