Social Issues of the 21st Century in the Preaching to Women at Piekary

Piekary Śląskie is a place usually associated with the Marian sanctuary of Our Lady of Piekary — the Mother of Justice and Social Love. State pilgrimages of women and girls to Piekary Śląskie are events of pastoral and cultural importance that go far beyond the borders of the local Church. Social issues are strongly emphasized during the pilgrimages. A special feature is the welcome speeches delivered by the bishops of Katowice. This paper offers an analysis of speeches by Archbishop Damian Zimoń and Archbishop Wiktor Skworc, delivered during state pilgrimages of women and girls to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Piekary in 2001–2022. The addresses include description and critical analysis of current complex social problems in Poland. The speakers focused mainly on the issues of life and human dignity, marriage and family, civil rights and duties, respect for the poor and weak, dignity of human labour, social solidarity and natural environmental care.