Praktyczna opcja na rzecz ubogich. Szkic o św. Albercie (Adamie Chmielowskim)

Abstract

The preferential option for the poor is the norm for consistently practicing love and mercy in everything that means giving priority to the poor. It finds its justification in the Gospel. This truth was not only firmly reminded by St. John Paul II in the encyclical Sollicitudo rei socialis, but also correctly read and heroically apply in the practice by Saint Brother Albert - Adam Hilary Bernard Chmielowski (1845-1916), insurgent, painter, monk, beatified and canonized by Pope John Paul II. Although Brother Albert did not use the terminology „option for the poor”, he nevertheless initiated works based on the Gospel that were an extraordinary icon of „preferential love”. This draft is a reflection on his attitude, which was characterized by sacrificial help provided to the poor and homeless. Brother Albert’s work included shelters and other care homes for people in poverty, homeless, abandoned and helpless in life. In order to fulfill the option for the poor more effective, he founded two religious communities: a men’s community ‒ the „Congregation of Albertine Brothers of the Third Order of Saint Francis Serving the Poor” and a women’s community ‒ the „Congregation of Albertine Sisters Serving the Poor”.