Religious services and meditations were being held in Polish cathedrals and churches, with special prayers for victims of sexual abuse by clergymen.
In many churches prayers were being led by local bishops.
Archbishop Wojciech Polak, the Primate of Poland, has said in a message for the day: “Let us do all we can to make sure that those who suffered spiritual wounds as victims of sexual abuse can experience the support of the entire Church community.”
The Polish Catholic Church marks Day of Prayer and Penance every year on the first Friday of Lent.
(mk/gs)