This article presents Catholic religious culture in Poland in post-Tridentine era. It takes into account one of the manifestations of change taking place at the time, namely a dynamic development of male and female religious orders. The article shows the connection between the intensification of religious life and the development of ascetic and mystical theology resulting from the general renewal of Catholic theology. The influence of the Jesuits on the spirituality of female orders as well as their role in introducing the practice of methodical mental prayer is highlighted. The impact of Spanish spirituality on Polish religious life after the Council of Trent is also emphasised, with special attention drawn to Saint Ignatius of Loyola and ...