The Church in Poland

Pope Leo XIV met with a delegation from Special Olympics to discuss the educational value of sport. During the meeting, the Pope expressed his love for sports and referenced Saint Piergiorgio Frasati as an example of living out athletic values through a holy life.

The Diocese of Radom held a second round of retreats for extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy in Skarżysko-Kamienna. Priest Tomasz Atłas, from Papieskie Dzieła Misyjne, led the sessions.

Atłas described the ministers as missionaries who bring the Blessed Sacrament to the sick and suffering. He stated that the goal is for ministers to become more aware of their calling and their responsibility toward the Church's evangelization mission.

Nearly 200 men are participating in the three rounds of retreats. The final session is scheduled for October 9 to 10, 2026. Dariusz Składanek, the chairman of the extraordinary ministers for the Diocese of Radom, noted that the days of prayer strengthen their service to those who are ill.

To serve as a minister, a man must be between 35 and 65 years old. Candidates must complete specific liturgical and theological training and maintain a reputation for piety and respect among the clergy and the faithful.

Akcja Katolicka is calling for the resumption of work on the Yes to Religion and Ethics in School project. The organization stated that schools should support the integral development of young people through cooperation between families, schools, and the Church.

Archbishop Józef Górzyński celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Caritas Hospice of the Archdiocese of Warmia by presiding over a thanksgiving Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Olsztyn.

Father Paweł Zięba, the director of Caritas of the Archdiocese of Warmia, welcomed staff and guests to the jubilee celebrations. During his remarks, Zięba expressed gratitude to God for the years of service provided to the sick and asked for prayers for patients, employees, volunteers, and supporters.

In his homily, Archbishop Górzyński spoke about human dignity and the Christian responsibility to recognize the value of those rejected by society. He noted that while the world often measures humanity through success, Christian teaching emphasizes seeing the depth of personhood in those who are helpless or suffering.

The X Festiwal Katolickiej Nauki Społecznej will take place in Warsaw from September 24 to 26. Under the theme "Dekada przemian," participants will discuss the Church's role in public debate, social transformations, and the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence.

Marek Zaremba, co-author of the book Mocarz Chrystusa, says that prayer can be more than just asking for help. Speaking about the saint Andrew Bobola, Zaremba explained that entrusting oneself to a saint can start a deeper relationship with Christ.

Zaremba noted that prayer can involve offering up personal sufferings and daily faithfulness for the intentions of others. He described this as discovering the power of reparatory prayer.

Bishop Janusz Stepnowski will lead the funeral Mass for Father Stanisław Skarzyński on September 19, 2026. The funeral for the retired priest will take place at the parish church of św. Andrzeja Ap. in Broku.

Father Skarzyński, a Monsignor of the Diocese of Łomża, died on September 17, 2026, at the age of 87. He served as a priest for 62 years. The funeral proceedings begin with the presentation of the coffin at 8:00 a.m., followed by the 11:00 a.m. Mass. After the service, the body will be buried at the parish cemetery in Broku.

Born in 1939, Father Skarzyński was ordained a deacon and a priest at the Łomża Cathedral in 1963 and 1964, respectively. His previous assignments included roles as a parochial vicar in Wiżajny, Mikaszówka, Rygałówka, Lubotyń, and Ostrów Maz.

Author Jagoda Kwiecień met with readers at the Szubin library to discuss her Rose Trilogy. The event was part of the 28th Christian Culture Days.

During the discussion, Kwiecień spoke about her literary inspirations and the circumstances behind writing the trilogy. She described how her characters are shaped by daily life, human experiences, and observations of reality. The conversation covered themes such as family, relationships, suffering, forgiveness, and finding hope in difficult situations.

The author also addressed the spiritual role of Saint Rita, the patron saint of difficult and hopeless causes, who serves as a major theme in her books. Kwiecień and participants discussed how literature can serve as a space for reflecting on personal values and life choices.

The Institute of Catholic Action of the Sosnowiec Diocese has completed its move to a new headquarters at 19 Orla Street in Sosnowiec. The association will now centralize its diocesan activities at this location.

The new office will serve as a center for meetings, religious formation, and the coordination of upcoming Catholic Action initiatives within the diocese. The association consists of lay Catholics who participate in Church life through social, cultural, and charitable projects, religious formation, and collaboration with priests and parishes.

The Diocese of Arlington has started gathering information and testimonies to begin the beatification process for Tom Vander Woude.

Vander Woude, a father of seven sons, died in 2008 while attempting to save his youngest son, Joseph, after the boy fell into a septic tank. The bishop of Arlington described the man as having lived a heroic and holy life, noting that he expressed his faithfulness to God primarily through his roles as a husband and father.

Bishop Marek Solarczyk presided over a Mass to launch the new formation year for the Catholic Youth Association (KSM) of the Diocese of Radom. The diocesan meeting took place at the Youth Ministry on Górnicza Street in Radom.

During the liturgy, Bishop Solarczyk encouraged the members to be a sign and a strength for others. The meeting also served to introduce Father Jacek Pałosz as the new diocesan assistant for the KSM. Father Pałosz succeeds Father Adrian Jakubiak in this role. KSM president Jagoda Wojciechowska welcomed the new assistant and expressed thanks to the former assistant.

The KSM in the Diocese of Radom includes 20 branches with approximately 200 young people participating.

The Diocese of Ełk has announced celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the St. Bruno of Querfurt parish in Giżycko and the inauguration of a Place of Perpetual Adoration. The events are scheduled for September 19 and 20, 2026.

On Saturday, September 19, the parish will host a conference at the St. Bruno Hotel featuring lectures by Father Bruno Koniecko OSB and Wojciech Guzewicz regarding the life of St. Bruno of Querfurt and the history of the parish. Bishop Jerzy Mazur SVD will lead a thanksgiving Mass at the sanctuary at 1:00 p.m., which includes the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. The afternoon schedule includes the opening of a jubilee exhibition, a concert by Violetta Brzezińska, and family activities such as a picnic and a city game.

The celebrations conclude on Sunday, September 20, with a Mass at 1:00 p.m. to mark both the parish centenary and the establishment of the Place of Perpetual Adoration. Bishop Mazur will preside over the liturgy, which will be broadcast.

The Diocese of Sosnowiec will hold a Synodal Day of Recollection on September 26, 2026, to prepare for the second diocesan synod. The event takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Metanoia community headquarters on Teatralna Street 11 in Sosnowiec.

The diocese has invited three people from every parish and every non-parish team to attend. The meeting aims to practice listening to others rather than simply agreeing or preparing arguments. Participants will use a method called "Conversation in the Holy Spirit," which provides space for everyone to speak while others listen. This exercise is intended to help members of the Church find common ground and acknowledge differences in experience.

This gathering is part of a continuing series of preparations for the second diocesan synod. Discussions will continue in parishes during the following months.

Bishop Krzysztof Włodarczyk consecrated the altar and the church of Saint Barbara in Radawnica to mark the 300th anniversary of the parish. During the jubilee Mass, the bishop of Bydgoszcz stated that a temple should be filled with the faithful because it serves as a place for God to meet humanity rather than for its own attractiveness.

The parish priest, Father Sławomir Patelski, said the community held the ceremony to honor God and remember the original founders and builders of the church. He described the anniversary as the happiest day of his life since his priestly ordination.

Bishop Jerzy Mazur of Ełk says that reducing religious education from two hours to one hour per week in schools is a way of gradually removing religion from the classroom. He noted that these changes are part of a broader public debate concerning the secular nature of the state and the role of the Church in society.

The bishop stated that religious lessons bring unique value to school education.

Bishop Wojciech Osial will lead the second diocesan pilgrimage of the Margaretka Apostolate on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish in Krośniewice. The event begins at 9:00 a.m. with a Mass presided over by the Bishop of Łowicz.

The program includes a conference titled Annunciation by Father Edmund Modzelewski at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Rosary procession around the church at 11:00 a.m. A meal will be served at 12:00 p.m. in the square behind the rectory. Organizers invite members of the Margaretka Apostolate and anyone who prays for priests to attend.

Bishop Piotr Sawczuk administered the sacrament of confirmation to ten young people in Sawice on September 15. The ceremony took place at St. George Parish to mark the conclusion of a canonical visitation.

The parish priest, Father Mirosław Puchacz, prepared the candidates for the sacrament.

The Life and Family Foundation will hold a public rosary to pray against abortion on Tuesday, September 15, at 11:45 a.m. near the Falkiewicz Hospital in Wrocław.

Father Nikos Skuras shared reflections on the liturgical readings, describing true life wisdom as the ability to accept love.

Skuras stated that people should accept love with faith that God creates their life story and acts for their good. He encouraged listeners not to fear letting even a small amount of this love into their hearts.

Father Jacek Salij OP published a reflection on the Christian mission that references the 1956 Jasnogórskie Śluby Narodu and a homily by Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński. Salij asks if there is a need for a national confession today.

The Diocese of Kielce is observing its sixteenth Week of Education from September 13 to 19, 2026. This year's theme centers on education and formation within the community of faith.

Thousands of people marched through the streets of Białystok on September 13 for the 15th Podlaskie March for Life. Participants included families with children, young people, seniors, and members of Catholic communities and movements.

The march used the theme "A Family Full of Life." During his homily, Archbishop Józef Guzdek called for the defense of life, marriage, and the family. He also urged people to live in a way that is consistent with their faith.

Bishop Tomasz Sztajerwald warned that commercial companies offering outdoor weddings with Catholic priests are suspicious. He stated that the Church does not support outdoor weddings and maintains that a church is the best place for a wedding.

The Diocese of Bydgoszcz began the XXVIII Days of Christian Culture in Szubin with a Mass at St. Andrew Bobola Church on September 12.

The event runs through September 21 under the theme "Uczniowie – misjonarze." The program includes religious services, lectures, author meetings, exhibitions, pilgrimages, a poetry concert, museum lessons, and a family festival. Father Karol presided over the opening Mass.

Bishop Piotr Sawczuk conducted a canonical visitation at the St. George parish in Sawice on September 13. The Bishop of Drohiczyn led the visit, which began with a formal entrance into the church.

During the visit, parish priest Miroslav Puchacz presented a report on parish life since the previous visitation to the gathered faithful and liturgical ministers. Representatives from the Parish Council also spoke to the Bishop.

Members of the Stowarzyszenie Katechetów Świeckich wrote that schools and parishes both have specific tasks in religious education and should not be treated as alternatives to one another.

Catechist and author Grzegorz Fels shares his personal testimony in his new book, Życiowy escape room, which explores how to recognize God's signs and the role of angels in life.

Bishop Krzysztof Włodarczyk told married couples that love is not a joint-stock company where partners provide 50 percent each, but rather a commitment of 100 percent. He made these remarks during the "Take the Path of Holiness" retreat held in Bydgoszcz on September 12 and 13.

The event includes approximately 50 participants, the majority of whom are married couples.

The Lublin Archdiocese published a video lectio divina focused on the theme of forgiveness based on Mt 18, 21-35.

The resource addresses how a lack of forgiveness causes internal destruction and has consequences for eternity. It explores the difficulty of forgiving wrongs through human strength alone.