Lichen: The Polish sanctuary town of Licheń became a center of youthful consecrated life as more than 500 young men and women religious gathered for the 5th Ecce Homo Congress of Young Consecrated, a four-day meeting rooted in prayer, community, and rediscovery of humanity in the likeness of Christ.
The Congress, which drew 539 participants 97 men from 18 institutes and 442 women religious from 62 congregations, alongside consecrated virgins and members of secular institutes was marked by conferences, prayer, and testimony. At its heart, the event highlighted the strength of communion among young consecrated persons.
Sister Marianna Tarkowska, CSFN, from the Congress Secretariat, explained that many participants were encouraged by the visible presence of so many peers.
“Even though there appears to be a crisis of vocations and some institutes welcome only a few new members, the Congress revealed a broader perspective there are others, young people too, who are also choosing to follow Christ in consecrated life,” she told Vatican Radio Vatican News.
Beyond numbers, the Congress offered a space for consecrated men and women to share both their joys and difficulties. Sister Marianna stressed that participants recognized how similar their struggles are, and this realization lifted the sense of isolation.
“They understood that they are not alone in carrying burdens many others walk the same path,” she added.
The theme of this year’s gathering, “Ecce Homo” (Behold the Man), opened a profound reflection on the humanity of Christ and its significance for consecrated life. The opening conference, delivered by Fr. Tomasz Nowak, OP, focused on the humanity of Jesus as the foundation for understanding one’s own humanity.
“Consecration does not take away humanity,” Sister Marianna noted. “On the contrary, the daily life of consecrated persons is a place where humanity is formed, refined, and made more authentic by referring to Jesus, who is our model.”
The Congress did not end with reflections alone; it called participants to integrate their experiences into daily life. According to Sister Marianna, each religious must take the lessons personally and find ways to embody them within their communities.
“It is essential to seek the truth about oneself continually to be authentic in faith, in one’s relationship with God, and in one’s relationship with others. That authenticity is the concrete way to carry the fruits of this Congress into everyday life,” she explained.
As the Congress concluded, organizers emphasized that the journey does not stop here. Plans for the next edition will begin in the coming year, with dates and location yet to be determined. For now, participants return to their convents, monasteries, and communities with renewed hope, strengthened communion, and a deeper conviction that consecrated life remains a vibrant witness in the Church and the world.