Rogle: In the quiet corners of Rögle, a small town in Sweden’s southern Skåne region, silence speaks volumes. The convent of the Dominican Sisters has become a refuge not only for its residents but also for curious visitors from Malmö, Stockholm, and Lund, drawn by an unusual desire: the search for themselves.
Sister Veronica, originally from Paris, has been part of this contemplative community for several years. She recounts the stories of many visitors who walk through the convent doors: “They say: ‘I don’t know who I am. I want silence. I want to find myself.’” Many are not Catholic, yet the convent offers them a sanctuary where reflection and quietude can guide their journey inward.
Before moving to Sweden in 2021, at the request of her superior general, Sister Veronica lived in a French lay order and embraced the Catholic faith nine years after initially joining the community. Her first impressions of Sweden were tinted with misconceptions. “Many people didn’t even know that Catholics are Christians,” she admits. Yet over time, the warmth of curiosity and genuine interest in spiritual life revealed itself among locals and visitors alike.
Today, Sister Veronica lives in Rögle with three fellow sisters, tending to both the life of prayer and the influx of seekers who approach the convent not for doctrine, but for experience. The Catholic Church may be a small presence in Sweden, yet its quiet existence fascinates outsiders who long for reflection and stillness.
The convent has embraced modern outreach, sharing its history and Dominican spirituality on social media platforms like Facebook. This digital window allows those outside the religious fold to glimpse the life of contemplation, encouraging them to step into a world of intentional silence.
“People don’t come because they’re looking for the Catholic Church,” Sister Veronica explains. “They come because they’re looking for themselves.” In this serene environment, amid rituals, prayer, and the subtle rhythm of convent life, seekers of all backgrounds discover a rare gift: the space to pause, reflect, and encounter the deeper meaning of their own existence.