The SSpS mission in Russia guides couples and youth towards creating meaningful connections and building lasting relationships.
In today’s world, where everything rushes forward in haste and people strive to acquire more and more goods with minimal effort, it becomes increasingly difficult to understand that true love cannot be obtained without commitment. Modern culture often promotes the belief that love will come without active participation on our part. We frequently hear, ‘I’m waiting to find true love,’ while remaining passive and unengaged.
As the Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Love, we acknowledge the heartfelt cry for love from those in despair. In response to the signs of the times, we have dedicated ourselves to working with families, by organizing meetings and thematic symposia. We place emphasis on providing support to marriages going through crises. Collaborating with facilitators from the International Catholic Association for Marriage Encounter, we conduct dialogue-based meetings open to all couples seeking to deepen their relationships.
We also help young people prepare for responsible decisions regarding marriage and family life.
Sister Juliana has developed a preparatory program that she conducts in various places across Russia. The program covers topics such as discovering the beauty of being created by God, understanding infatuation, and shaping the emotional sphere.
Participants learn about the stages of love’s development and its challenges, discover God’s plan for human sexuality, and learn how to choose a life partner responsibly. The program also addresses the significance of marriage as a sacrament and the potential for personal growth in relationships with others. An important element is reflection on the calling to parenthood and the beauty it brings. Only through active engagement and understanding the value of dialogue can we build enduring love and happy families.
Here are some impressions from the participants:
Marriage Preparation
“Participating in marriage preparation was an incredibly valuable experience for us. Thanks to the meetings and workshops, we understood that marriage is not just about emotions and romance, but above all about responsibility, commitment, and the willingness to face difficulties together.
We feel better equipped to make the decision to share our lives and start a family. We have come to understand that marriage is not just an important step in our lives but also a beautiful journey.“
Marriage Encounter
“The Marriage Encounter helped save our marriage. After decades of living together, it seemed we had lost touch with each other and had grown apart. However, participating in the weekend, sharing experiences with the leading couples and sisters, and engaging in dialogue helped us rediscover the love that had been dulled by the routine of everyday life. We are grateful to everyone involved in this movement.“
Why Only Now?
“Why did I only meet you now? I am in my second marriage because the first one ended after a few years. I was convinced it was my first wife’s fault, and I thought everything would be perfect in my second relationship. Unfortunately, the problems repeated themselves.
Fortunately, in the most challenging moment, when I was on the brink of tragedy, I met people who truly helped me. Instead of being criticized and judged, I was met with an open heart that opened my eyes and heart to dialogue and listening to my wife. Now I understand that if I had met these people earlier, I might not have divorced my first wife. This experience was transformative for me—I learned that the true solution to problems in marriage lies in communication and mutual understanding. I am grateful for the chance to repair my current relationship.“
As the Marriage Encounter sessions facilitated by the Sisters concluded, participants shared their impressions.
“At first, we were unsure about what a nun could teach us about love, but from the very first meeting, we quickly realized how invaluable her perspective was. She presented love as a divine gift, one that demands true commitment and effort. Through this encounter, we learned that real love goes beyond our expectations and ambitions, and this new understanding changed our lives.
“The meeting felt like a breath of fresh air in a world clouded by illusions and false promises. I discovered that love is the foundation upon which a meaningful life is built. It was a lifeline that pulled me from despair. The sessions taught me to live with a pure heart, to seek help from God and others without causing harm to myself or those around me. We are so grateful to have participated, and we thank God for these courageous guides who, with compassion and wisdom, offered us the strength to face our struggles.”
These reflections affirm that the Marriage Encounter is not only a space to reflect on love but also a source of healing, renewal, and deep spiritual growth for couples, offering them new hope and clarity in their relationships.
Sr. Juliana Gostkowska SSpS – Region of Russia
Sr. Juliana goes to different places in Russia for the marriage encounter program.
The program includes various activities for the family members.
The couple participants experience healing, renewal, and deep spiritual growth.
Sr. Juliana collaborates with other organizations like theInternational Catholic Association for Marriage Encounter.
