Paper short abstract:

Our paper, based on the fieldwork research, discusses how a very traditional form of contemplative order shapes and promotes a new type of the charismatic spirituality in the context of very traditional Polish Catholic Church and changes in the social model of religion, observed in Poland since 1989

Paper long abstract:

Our paper focuses on a phenomenon of a charismatic church emerging in Poland within the frames of a newly founded Catholic contemplative convent. It is based on a field research in a Polish village Rybno where we observed a formation of the convent. In our analysis we will interpret the creation of the order treating it as an example of changes in a social model of religion observed in Poland since 1989. In the Polish context the Catholic Church holds a hegemonic position within the state and society. Its conservative structure used to be very suspicious of new Pentecostal and charismatic churches. We want to discuss how, paradoxically, in frames of a very traditional form of contemplative order a new type of the charismatic spirituality is being shaped and promoted. We will particularly analyze the practices of the examination of conscience and confession which dominate the charisma of the order.