Characteristics of the Mystical Experiences of Blessed Marcelina Darowska Based on Her Selected Writings
Marta Kowalczyk
Verbum Vitae June 25, 2026 DOI: 10.31743/vv.19972 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Blessed Marcelina Darowska (a Polish mystic, 1827–1911) |
| Topics | Mysticism Mystical experience |
| Keywords | Asceticism Contemplation Spirituality Religious experience Diversity politics Aesthetics Theology Love of god Spiritual development Religious studies |
| Key findings | The writings of Blessed Marcelina Darowska reveal mystical experiences—including visions, revelations, mystical marriages, and prophetic gifts—that place her among the great Christian mystics. |
Abstract
This study aims to describe the experiences of a Polish mystic who lived in the 19th and late 20th centuries, based on her writings. Through research involving comparisons, analyses, and a synthesis of her revelations, it has been possible to identify and highlight the diversity of Blessed Marcelina Darowska’s (1827–1911) inner life and achievements, which place her among contemplative and apostolic mystics. Her writings reveal her mystical experiences, as well as her reflections and observations on other souls. The mystical experiences described in this study, drawing on her “Pamiętnik” [Diary], “Notatki” [Notes], “Zapiski” [Other Notes], and the treatise “Kartki” [Cards], show a certain convergence between the “Diary” and the “Notes.” The mystical experiences of Darowska occurred during deep contemplation. The mystic also practiced asceticism and frequently received the sacraments of penance and the Eucharist. An analysis of her writings reveals the numerous fruits of her profound experience of union with God, including visions, revelations, “conversions of hearts,” mystical marriages, prophetic gifts, readings of souls, and numerous graces that strengthen spousal love and facilitate the inner development of the human soul. The characterization of the mystical experiences of Darowska allows us to conclude that the profound inner experiences she describes place her among the great Christian mystics.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on mystical experience, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The nature of peak experience in wilderness. Participants who had visited wilderness areas in Victoria, Australia, recruited via a... | 2009 | Qualitative study | n = 39 |
| Qualitative and Quantitative Features of Music Reported to Support Peak Mystical Experiences during Psychedelic Therapy Sessions Individuals with extensive experience administering psilocybin or psilocybin-containing... | 2017 | Survey and qualitative/quantitative analysis | n = 10 |
| Cannabis as entheogen: survey and interview data on the spiritual use of cannabis. Participants recruited from seven online communities, median age 33, 81% male | 2020 | Mixed methods (qualitative interviews and quantitative survey) | n = 319 |
| Clarifying and measuring the characteristics of experiences that involve a loss of self or a dissolution of its boundaries. Adults who reported an experience involving dissolution of self-boundaries or loss of... | 2024 | Cross-sectional survey with confirmatory factor analysis and qualitative thematic analysis | n = 386 |
| The developmental impact of not integrating childhood peak experiences Adults recalling their childhood peak experiences | 2007 | Qualitative study | n = 12 |