During his Corpus Christi sermon in Częstochowa, Archbishop Wacław Depo criticized modern technology, secularization, and extended vacations, warning that these elements pull society away from religious practice and traditional moral values.
The secularization of modern society
Archbishop Wacław Depo addressed the ongoing secularization of society during his Corpus Christi homily. He argued that liberalism and modern technological distractions—specifically television, streaming services, and the internet—serve to distance the public from religious faith.
The Archbishop further noted that the increasing length of holidays contributes to this shift, as vacation time often precludes regular church attendance. He also cautioned that while artificial intelligence is a useful tool, it must not become an idol that attempts to recreate the world according to its own logic.
Abortion and the Declaration of Faith
Depo defended doctors who signed the “Declaration of Faith” at Jasna Góra, a document initiated by Wanda Półtawska in 2014. He criticized opponents of the current abortion ban for suggesting that medical professionals who prioritize their conscience should be dismissed from public hospitals and universities.
Warnings against discrimination and arson
Referencing John Paul II’s 1995 warning in Skoczów, the Archbishop expressed concern over the marginalization of believers in public life. He warned that contemporary society is increasingly prone to ridiculing and destroying religious symbols.
Citing the burning of a Papal Cross in Warsaw this past Good Friday, Depo stated that such acts are precursors to the burning of churches or their repurposing into commercial venues. Although initial findings did not identify flammable substances, prosecutors continue to investigate the incident.
Processional traditions in Częstochowa
The central Corpus Christi procession in Częstochowa alternates annually between the archcathedral and Jasna Góra. The route traditionally follows the city’s main thoroughfare, the Avenue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which serves as the primary path for foot pilgrimages to the Pauline monastery.