Kult św. Józefa na terenie obecnej diecezji elbląskiej

Abstract

The person credited with restoring the cult of St Joseph, which resulted in the spread of a religious service in his honour, is St Teresa of Jesus (1515–1582), a reformer of the Carmelite Order and a Doctor of the Church. In the late 18th century, over 200 churches of St Teresa’s Carmelite Order were dedicated to St Joseph, even though he was liturgically venerated in the universal church as early as the 17th century. Following the Council of Trent, the worship of St Joseph was strengthened by the Jesuits. On 13 September 1642 Pope Urban VIII established a feast day commemorating the saint, which came into force in the entire Church on 10 September 1847 owing to Pope Pius IX, who wished to stress the need for St Joseph’s plead. On 8 December 1870 Pope Pius IX declared him Patron of the Church, thus encouraging families to accept his care, while in 1955 Pope Pius XII appointed 1 May as the Feast of St Joseph. The worship of St Joseph within the present Diocese of Elbląg is fairly well developed, as demonstrated by the numerous images of the saint. The article also refers to images of the Holy Family, which naturally include St Joseph. The present Diocese of Elbląg houses 123 buildings presenting the saint and 17 sacred sites (churches and chapels) honouring his memory. The area contains 9 churches dedicated to St Joseph and 3 others where the saint is the second patron. There are 29 depictions of St Joseph here and in 5 paintings he is accompanied by other saints, usually Mary. Another popular type is a depiction of St Joseph along with Jesus and Mary in the so-called Holy Family group. It must have been the devotion of local clergy people, lay believers and professional groups that resulted in the creation of images (figures, paintings and stained glass windows) presenting St Joseph. This, along with depictions of the saint displayed inside shrines frequented by many church-goers, increased the cult and worship of St Joseph.