Ksiądz Jerzy Popiełuszko. W kręgu kultury przykościelnej

Abstract

In this paper, after attempting to define the term “church culture”, the following thesis was put forward: it was in the circle of church culture that Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko could accomplish the tasks God set before him. He grew up in the rugged landscape of the Podlasie region and there he found a place for personal, both religious and cultural growth in parish ministry. His road led him along the routes designated by the Church and by Gospel values. Against the background of post-war Polish history we can see how due to the assistance of the Holy Spirit as well as his own work and church culture Fr. Popiełuszko was able to adjust his pastoral style to Polish reality of the early 80’s of XX century. His sincere pastoral attitude, socio-liturgical tone of his teaching, openness to the needs of people who most needed help, his humbleness, courage and firmness in dealing with defamation and insults from the Security Service and ultimately his reception of the grace of martyrdom made Polish people recognize his ministry as liberating from fear and encouraging the vindication of the fundamental rights accorded to all people by God and by nature.