|
|
 |
 |
 | |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fourth centenary of Discalced Carmelite presence in Poland |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Communicationes
Krakow-Poland (29-05-2012).- On May 24, a solemn ceremony presided by the Father General, Saverio Cannistrà, opened the celebration of the Fourth Centenary of the arrival of Discalced Carmelite nuns in Poland.
The church of the Krakow convent hosted the celebration. The prioresses of all the monasteries of the province of Krakow participated, together with a delegation from each community; Father Albert Wach, Definitor General of Central Europe; Discalced Carmelites from both Polish provinces; and a great number of faithful.
On the occasion of this important jubilee, the Polish provincials of Warsaw and Krakow jointly sent a letter to the entire Polish Carmelite family in which they highlighted the witness of life and mission that the nuns have carried out and continue to give to the Church.
During this celebratory year, many cultural, academic, and pastoral activities are foreseen. The nuns’ monasteries themselves are receiving the pilgrim “Icon of Saint Teresa of Jesus” created by the Kielce monastery.
In addition, on May 25 the Archeological Museum of Krakow inaugurated an exposition titled, “Four centuries of Discalced Carmelites in Poland.” The exhibit includes artwork and objects reflecting the nuns’ daily lives.
The Jagiellonian University, as well, celebrated a symposium on May 28 dedicated to the Discalced Carmelites’ contributions to Polish history, culture, and spirituality.
Four centuries in Poland
The Discalced Carmelite nuns arrived in Poland from Belgium on May 26, 1612, and established themselves in the Church of Saint Martin in Krakow.
Throughout the 17th century Poland grew to have seven monasteries. Because of the divisions Poland has suffered in its history, the majority of these houses were suppressed, and the only monastery that resisted was the Krakow monastery (Wesola), where nuns from the suppressed monasteries took refuge.
The resurgence of the Discalced Carmelites in Poland occurred in the 19th century, once again through the hands of the nuns of Belgium. In the first half of the 20th century, wars impeded the development of their presence. During the Second World War, the monastery of Krakow (Wesola) once again became a refuge for nuns from other monasteries.
After the war, the number of communities increased. Poland currently boasts 31 monasteries of Discalced Carmelites, 29 of which are under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Superiors. The Warsaw province has 17 of these and Krakow has 12. The remaining two are under the jurisdiction of the diocesan bishops.
In recent years, foundations have been made in Poland and other countries: Iceland, Norway,
Ukraine, Russia, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, and Karaganda. A total of about 570 nuns live in Polish convents today.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
