Chmura, Andrzej (Wydawnictwo Towarzystwa Naukowego Katolickiego Uniwersytetu Lubelskiego, 2006)
The author draws the reader’s attention to the need of education for patriotism and points to the pedagogical function of the Church in developing patriotism, and especially to pastoral activities as a school of patriotism. The article begins with a discussion of the term “homeland” as a place where young people are educated for patriotism and where they reach maturity in this respect. Here also the concept of homeland is explained by stressing its basic determinants, such as: nation, culture, history, heritage of faith, the ethos of national community, and the territory. Next the ecclesial dimension of home land in the process of formation of patriotism is pointed to. In the final part the “local homeland” is shown as the way leading to patriotism, and at the same time the need of love of “homeland of homelands” is presented as a new challenge in modem times.
