Macierzyństwo w nauczaniu Kościoła polskiego w latach 1945-1994. Wybrane aspekty

Abstract

The paper depicts the teaching of the Church on motherhood in Poland in the years 1945-1994. The documents of the Episcopate and the primate of Poland have been analyzed. The paper reflects especially on those documents which develop the teaching of the Universal Church and are specific to Poland. The documents in question address motherhood in three aspects: 1) in its social role, 2) its threats and 3) family spirituality. In the first aspect motherhood is an indispensable social service that women have towards the nation and society, a service which makes it possible for its duration and development. To question motherhood at this level on a social scale would lead to a biological threat to the existence of the nation and society. Analyzing the threats to motherhood in Poland, the documents stress especially two: anti-natalistic policy of the State and the laicized character of marriage. Motherhood is defined as a foundation of the spirituality of marriage and family which is composed of wisdom, grace, justice, purity, love, fellowship and the turning to the ultimate goal.