Działalność charytatywna w świetle statutów synodów diecezji tarnowskiej

Abstract

The ministiy of charity (diakonia) is one of the essential activities of the Church. It is as important to her as the ministry of sacraments and preaching of the Gospel. Love of neighbour as yourself, deeply grounded in the love of God, is an obligation for every individual member of the faithful and it is also a responsibility for the entire ecclesial community. This exceptional love is undertaken and accomplished in a special way at the level of parish and diocesan communities. This article demonstrates the ministry of charity in its legal and pastoral shape in the Tamow diocese in the light of the diocesan synodal statutes. Three synods from the years: 1928, 1948 and 1982-1986 have been taken into consideration. The detailed analysis of their regulations allows recognizing how the care for the needy of every kind was viewed and formed in a determined time of the life and mission of a local Church. This elaboration shows the rank and range of charitable activities, their forms, subjects and structures.