Życie i pasterska posługa księdza Zygmunta Trybowskiego w kontekście Vaticanum II

Abstract

The Second Vatican Council (1963–1965) was a breakthrough in the history of the contemporary Church. Many historians hold the view that this general assembly of the bishops of the world was so important, because for the first time in history the Church appeared there as truly universal, that is Catholic. The uniqueness of the Council could also be seen in its extensive teaching and the effort of its participants to conduct as comprehensive aggiornamento of the ecclesial life as possible. Father Zygmunt Trybowski (1937–2002) was born in Luzino in the Polish region of Kashubia. His pastoral ministry was shaped by the teaching of Vatican II. He sought to implement the renewed vision of the Church out of concern for the people entrusted to his care, which resulted in the development of dynamically functioning parishes in Siemoń and Bydgoszcz. Nowadays, amidst the painful experience of pandemic’s effects, the ideological confusion, the turmoil of war and the decline of authority of a spiritual leader, we definitely need vivid models of priests. We should hope that the life and mission of Father Zygmunt Trybowski will encourage others to take a path similar to his, which – in the light of historical sources and the testimonies of witnesses – shows signs of sanctity. This article is an attempt to present how the Council’s vision of priesthood and the Church was being implemented in the practical ministry of Father Zygmunt Trybowski.