Przygotowanie kleryków wielkopolskich do pracy społecznej na polu duszpasterskim w początkach II Rzeczypospolitej

Abstract

The Rev. Walerian Adamski, a lecturer of the theological seminary in Poznan and a well-known social activist, had written a memorial about the formation (for social work) of candidates for the priesthood in a theological seminary. This text considerably precedes the curriculum of theological studies for alumni, which was drawn out in the 1930s under the influence of the Catholic Action. While writing it in 1924, the Rev. Adamski drew on German social Catholicism, and on Galician experience. His educative and formative project called for profound transformations as far as the obligatory teaching hours were concerned and, in this respect, was revolutionary. Nevertheless it met the then requirements of pastoral care, as it was confronted with an enormous and influential social action on the part of both the left and liberal-secular milieus. In his parochial work, the priest had to cope with it and, at the same time, was obliged to prepare Catholic activists, so that they could put forward some alternative proposals to those that were hostile to the Church. He would not have been able to do it, had he lacked special preparation. The Rev. Adamski pointed to the ways by which alumni were supposed to be prepared to this kind of work. He stressed that aside to theoretical studies, it was necessary to gain experience under the supervision of committed priests. The curriculum of seminary classes, as proposed in the memorial, called for many changes in the system of alumni education. It had never been completely implemented, even after the Catholic Action had developed. Nevertheless one cannot explain away its inspiring role.