“Make Our Hearts Like Your Heart” – Pastoral Conference in Poland

Gathered under the theme “Make our hearts like Yours,” the assembly welcomed numerous participants to the Dehonian Spirituality Centre. Among them were confreres from the Polish Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart (Dehonians),consecrated persons, religious sisters, as well as friends representing various Dehonian parishes and movements, notably the Dehonian Lay Communities, the Dehonian Youth Movement, and the Guard of Honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The participants were welcomed by Fr. Damian Płatek, SCJ, Director of the Dehonian Spirituality Centre. The opening address was delivered by Fr. Sławomir Knopik, SCJ, Provincial Superior of the Polish Province of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He expressed his joy on the occasion of the beatification of Blessed Martino Capelli, SCJ. Referring to the words of the Congregation’s Superior General, Fr. Carlos Luis Suárez Codorniú, SCJ, who encouraged everyone to follow the example of the newly beatified Dehonian and to always remember the value of spiritual life, love for the Mother of God, and care for the Dehonian charism, he stressed the importance of remaining faithful to these values.

“The Heart of God and the Human Heart in the Bible”

The first speaker, Fr. Mateusz Targoński, PhD in Theology, gave a lecture entitled “The Heart of God and the Human Heart in the Bible.” At the beginning of his talk, he recalled that the European understanding of the heart was shaped by Hellenistic culture, in which the heart is primarily regarded as the seat of emotions and faith, while it only secondarily represents a person’s inner inclinations and intentions. Fr. Targoński also pointed out that the third meaning of the heart,and the most frequently forgotten, is the mind. Continuing his presentation, he emphasized that the heart encompasses the entire person and constitutes the most intimate part of the human being, responsible for all of human life, because our humanity flows from the heart. This inner understanding of the heart is particularly evident in the biblical expression “to say in one’s heart,” which means to think or to speak to oneself. Reason and will determine our conduct and our choices,since the heart is the decision-making center. What is born in the heart shapes our behavior, whether good or evil, and influences our relationships. As the speaker concluded, God alone knows the human heart.

The Heart of Modern Man

The second speaker, Fr. Rafał Dudała, PhD, Habil., spoke about the heart of modern man. He began by asking the question: What determines our lives? What fills my heart and yours?

Seeking answers to these questions in his reflections, he pointed out that the heart of modern man is often scattered and divided. Yet, it should above all be a place where we seek answers to the questions that trouble the human soul, a central point for discovering the truth about ourselves and—when faith comes into play—a space where answers are found in the context of God’s presence and in the light of faith. The speaker also addressed the pressures, emptiness, sadness, and other emotions that weaken the heart. Nevertheless, the heart can overcome the emptiness that arises in such circumstances and find joy in many things. Drawing on the thought and message of Viktor Frankl, he reminded the audience that the task of the heart is to seek meaning. The presentation concluded by highlighting a pastoral challenge: understanding the theology of the heart, a heart baptized in joy, not merely as a remedy for all kinds of suffering and sorrow, but as a reality filled with joy that awakens gratitude in the hearts of others.

Exchanges

After a short “coffee break,” a time of discussion followed, moderated by Fr. Damian Płatek, SCJ, and Fr. Jakub Bieszczad, SCJ. In addition to sharing testimonies about the work of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in their lives, the participants reflected on how to bring the heart of contemporary man closer to the biblical ideal and how to promote devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in today’s world.

It was emphasized that relationships can be built through a “listening heart”—a wise heart that does not offer ready-made answers, but listens to the questions of those who come to us. Mercy consists of giving our heart to others, and this is how relationships and communities are built.

Mass Presided over by Bishop Stanisław Salaterski

The culmination of this day of encounter was the celebration of the Eucharist at the Shrine of Our Lady of Blessed Motherhood, presided over by Bishop Stanisław Salaterski, of the Diocese of Tarnów. At the beginning of the Mass, the relics of Blessed Fr. Martino Capelli, SCJ, were solemnly brought into the church, marking their official reception by the Polish Province of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At the beginning of his homily, Bishop Stanisław Salaterski presented Mary as the model of a mother with an open heart, ready to give us Jesus as a remedy for all our worries and anxieties. He stressed that without respect for life from conception and without a sense of responsibility toward life, it is difficult to speak of listening to and being faithful to God’s teaching:

“Listening to the Word of God is a message close to our hearts in the Heart of Our Lord Jesus, and particularly meaningful in this place: the Shrine of Our Lady of Blessed Motherhood,” the bishop declared.

He also insisted on the fact that people today have become indifferent to sin and evil, which makes the reparation of faults more difficult. Nevertheless, there remains the hope that God sees every effort made in this direction, despite trials and obstacles. Our apostolate and our sharing of goodness have a rich tradition in the life of the Church and of religious congregations. This tradition can serve as a foundation for reaching out to others with the Heart of Jesus.