Św. Salwator z Horty w świetle polskich czasopism tercjarskich okresu międzywojennego (1918–1939)

Abstract

As masters of the spiritual life teach us, the essence of holiness is love for God above all. Each saint demonstrates the power, goodness and wisdom of his or her creator. One of such outstanding figures, completely devoted to God and others, was Salvador of Horta, a poor Spanish Franciscan. He was canonised on 17th April 1938 by Pope Pius XI (1922–1939). The canonisation took place during the civil war in Spain, which had an enormous influence on the Catholic church. Among the persecution victims were several bishops as well as over six thousand Diocesan priests, monks and nuns along with thousands of lay believers. Over two thousand churches were demolished. Polish tertiary magazines of the interwar period (1918–1939) played many important roles including those related to formation and pastoral care; moreover, they provided information on the situation of the church and presented the lives of saints and blessed people. Each obedience of the First Order of Franciscan Friars in Poland published its own tertiary magazine; altogether 13 titles were published by the monks. A presentation of the life of Salvador of Horta (1520–1567) through the Polish tertiary magazines of the interwar period can greatly contribute to our knowledge of this remarkable person. The information found in those periodicals and analysed by the saint’s contemporaries often came from stories and legends. This article presents the most significant events from the saint’s life and those that took place after his death. Furthermore, it offers information related to the canonisation as well as descriptions of extraordinary events connected with Saint Salvador. The article also includes illustrations, further reading proposals and information on ceremonies held in memory of Saint Salvador.