One Polish sister's life of service and spiritual promotion

By Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS

Sr. Maria Małgorzata Cur recalls that her childhood encounters with the Franciscan sisters were formative. Their presence was not limited to fulfilling religious duties, but rather it was a living testimony of faith, humility, and selfless love. They inspired her through concrete acts of service: teaching catechism, caring for the parish, and providing medical assistance to families in need.

They were welcoming and created a space where children and community members felt at home. Through games and gardening, they nurtured trust, joy, and a sense of belonging. These early experiences planted the foundation of her vocation.

Guided by this discernment, Sr. Maria Małgorzata joined the Congregation of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate, where she discovered a deep connection to Marian spirituality. The community offered her a sense of sisterhood that fostered growth and mutual support.

Sr. Maria Małgorzata teaching catechism {"@context": "http://schema.org","@type": "ImageObject","contentUrl": "https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/agosto/19/sr-maria-malgorzata-teaching-catechism.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg","creditText": "Vatican News","height": "750","width": "422"} Education, catechesis, and ministerial work

Her early formation included studies in education and theology, equipping her for pastoral service. Sr. Maria Małgorzata worked as a catechist and teacher, especially in care facilities, where she encountered children, young people, and adults. Her mission was not only to teach, but also to accompany people in their daily lives with empathy and sensitivity.

Her ministry later expanded into leadership roles, including managing a center for sick children and a crisis intervention center. These experiences taught her humility, patience, and a deep sense of responsibility in caring for vulnerable individuals.

Sr. Maria Małgorzata gives careful attention to each child’s individuality, helping them discover their self-worth and dignity. Through prayer, play, and daily routines, she builds trust and confidence in vulnerable children, embodying the congregation’s mission in practical ways.

Sr. Maria Małgorzata in class {"@context": "http://schema.org","@type": "ImageObject","contentUrl": "https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/agosto/19/sr-maria-malgorzata-with-the-young.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg","creditText": "Vatican News","height": "750","width": "422"} Charism of saving souls

The core mission of her congregation, expressed as “saving souls,” is rooted in the vision of its founder, Jan Schneider. His work focused on supporting girls and women in vulnerable situations through both spiritual guidance and practical assistance.

Sr. Maria Małgorzata strives to embody this charism by approaching those entrusted to her with sensitivity and mercy. She lives this mission through her presence, attentiveness, and readiness to bring hope to others.

The core mission of her congregation is expressed as saving souls {"@context": "http://schema.org","@type": "ImageObject","contentUrl": "https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/agosto/19/sr-maria-malgorzata-with-the-young-girls.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg","creditText": "Vatican News","height": "750","width": "422"} Promoting the spiritual legacy of Sr Dulcissima Hoffmann

A central part of her mission is promoting the legacy of Sr. Dulcissima Hoffmann. She organizes initiatives such as “Sundays with Dulcissima,” retreats for children and youth, and participates in media outreach to share the sister’s life and spirituality.

Sr. Maria Małgorzata also hosts visitors and coordinates radio broadcasts, publications, symposiums, concerts, and community gatherings. Through these efforts, she brings the witness of Sr. Dulcissima closer to the faithful. She experiences a personal spiritual connection with Sr. Dulcissima, describing it as a quiet guidance that helps her live her vocation with love for God and others.

Sr. Dulcissima Hoffmann {"@context": "http://schema.org","@type": "ImageObject","contentUrl": "https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/agosto/19/sr-maria-dulcissima.png/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.png","creditText": "Vatican News","height": "750","width": "422"} Dulcissima Days building a spiritual family

Annual events such as Dulcissima Days and retreats strengthen a growing spiritual community. Participants engage in prayer, the Eucharist, reflection, and shared activities, learning to live holiness through daily faithfulness.

These gatherings foster a sense of spiritual family, with testimonies highlighting experiences of grace, intercession, and communal growth.

Deepening personal vocation

Promoting the legacy of Sr. Dulcissima has also deepened Sr. Małgorzata’s own spiritual life. This relationship guides her daily choices, strengthens her faith, and enriches her understanding of service. 

She draws inspiration from Sr. Dulcissima’s example of prayer, sacrifice, and fidelity to God, and notes a parallel with St. Thérèse of Lisieux in their shared emphasis on love expressed through small daily acts. 

Icon of Sr. Dulcissima and St. Teresa {"@context": "http://schema.org","@type": "ImageObject","contentUrl": "https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/multimedia/2026/agosto/19/icon-of-sr-dulcissima-and-st.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg","creditText": "Vatican News","height": "750","width": "422"} Lasting impact on the Church

As the 90th anniversary of Sr. Dulcissima’s death approaches, Sr. Małgorzata sees her mission as contributing to a lasting impact on the Church. By helping people understand that holiness is attainable in everyday life, she encourages faithfulness to God through prayer, sacrifice, and care for others.

Her work fosters a living Church where prayer, mutual support, and shared faith create a strong spiritual community.

Sr. Maria Małgorzata Cur’s life reflects a deep integration of faith, education, service, and spiritual promotion. Through catechesis, leadership, and her dedication to spreading the legacy of Sr. Dulcissima Hoffmann, she embodies the charism of “saving souls.” Her witness shows that holiness is practical and accessible, lived through daily acts of love, presence, and service.