“Consecrated persons in today’s world are promoters of love” – said bishop Jacek Kiciński,CMF, on January 31, during the press conference at the seat of the Polish Bishops’ Conference before the XXII World Day of Consecrated Life, celebrated on February 2. In Poland there are 18,000 nuns, almost 12,000 monks, 1281 contemplative nuns and over 1000 consecrated virgins, widows and widowers.

Bishop Jacek Kiciński CMF, President of the Commission for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, reminded that the World Day of Consecrated Life was established by Saint John Paul II on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which falls on February 2. “The essence of consecrated life is the revelation of God’s love. That is why consecrated persons in today’s world are promoters of love. They also show what loyalty to God and other people really is. By realizing the message of love and loyalty, they build a culture of unity that we need today” – said bishop Kiciński.

This year’s press conference was dedicated mainly to the cooperation of consecrated persons with young people in the context of Synod of Bishops on youth announced for October 2018.

In 56 men’s institutes there are 9302 priests and 1313 brothers. There are around 18,000 nuns who belong to 105 active congregations. In 83 contemplative monasteries live 1281 nuns. Among 1,000 consecrated laypersons associated in various institutes there are 267 consecrated virgins, 305 widows and 2 widowers, as well as two women hermits and one hermit.

Press Office of the Polish Bishops’ Conference

(BP KEP)