Licheń (Poland). From 18 to 21 September 2025, the V Congress of Young Consecrated Persons on the theme, “Behold the Man” took place at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lichen (Jn 19:5). The event, which brings together members of different religious congregations, secular institutes, and consecrated persons living in the world, was attended by around 550 people, including seventeen Daughters of Mary Help of Christians from both Polish Provinces, Our Lady of Jasna Góra (PLJ) and Mary Help of Christians (PLA).
The Congress offered the opportunity to listen to valuable content, to ask questions, and discuss, to pray together. Among the objectives were the exchange of experiences, mutual knowledge, rooted in one’s vocation, personal reflection, and experiencing the joy of finding oneself as consecrated people.
On one of the evenings, a joint meeting of the Salesian Family was organized, which was also attended by Salesians of Don Bosco, Sisters of St. Michael Archangel and Volunteers of Don Bosco. Sister Małgorzata Pilarska, Provincial of the PLJ Province, and Sister Iwona Szymanik, Provincial Vicar PLJ, joined the group for the solemn Sunday Mass.
One of the FMA recounts the experience of the Congress:
The time spent at the V Congress of Young Consecrated People was very precious to me, for many reasons. First of all, the formation: the contents, focused on the theme of humanity, allowed me to delve further into my person. I have received very specific guidance on how to grow in my vocation as a woman completely given to God.
Then the community. Despite, or perhaps precisely because of our diversity, I perceived the Church with its charisms. We are all united by Him, who has endowed us with different gifts. Common prayer, full of commitment and passion, was an experience of unity. All the meetings were incredible, both those discovering new charisms and those that deepened closer relationships with brothers and sisters who share the same or a very similar daily life.
The third aspect: Jesus. I met Him in all these people who, despite various challenges and difficulties, dedicated their lives to God and remained faithful.
I feel strengthened by our shared testimony. Thanks to all the organizers and all the consecrated young people. Our life is wonderful. May Jesus, our Spouse, be the purpose and meaning of every consecrated life, so that we can become fully human, in the image and likeness of Him who loved us and called us.
