Warsaw: Poland continues to stand out as a stronghold of Catholic faith in Europe, with a remarkable 208 deacons preparing to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders this year a figure unmatched across the continent in recent times. Of these, 141 candidates are set to be ordained as diocesan priests, marking a significant milestone for the Church in Poland.
Among the dioceses, Tarnów leads the way, with 13 deacons soon to be ordained. Known for its unwavering Catholic identity, Tarnów boasts the highest Eucharistic participation rate in the country an impressive 61.5%. The Diocese of Warsaw follows closely behind, with 12 deacons awaiting ordination. Similar signs of spiritual vitality are reflected across several other Polish dioceses.
In addition to the diocesan candidates, 67 deacons from various religious orders are also preparing to enter the priesthood. The Congregation of the Mission tops the list with eight candidates, followed by the Dominicans and Franciscans, each contributing four future priests. Kraków, once the pastoral home of Pope Saint John Paul II, will see seven new priests ordained this year.
Catholicism remains deeply embedded in the Polish identity. According to the 2021 national census, 71.4% of the population identify as Catholic. Church statistics further reveal that about 97% of Catholics participate in the sacrament of reconciliation at least once a year, underscoring the nation’s strong religious practice.
Despite increasing immigration trends affecting Europe, Poland has maintained firm cultural and religious policies aimed at preserving its Catholic heritage. The Muslim population in the country remains minimal, reportedly just 0.01%.
With a flourishing number of vocations and active participation in the sacraments, Poland continues to serve as a model for European Catholicism, offering a hopeful example of faith, tradition, and commitment to priestly life.