Program Wielkiej Nowenny nadal aktualny

Abstract

The author of the Great Novena, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński (known as the Primate of the Millennium) set an important task for the Catholic Church in Poland: to liberate the Polish nation from the invasion of enemy forces and from social misery. The pastoral programme he designed helped recognise and understand the post-war situation of Poland and hence that of Polish Catholic people, who constituted a community of faith. Being aware of the truth on the human condition, he first focused on work towards deepening the knowledge of the faith and promoting moral principles. This experience led him to create a realistic pastoral programme, shape its organisation and communicate the need to engage all Church members in its implementation. Cardinal Wyszyński strove not only for the preservation of the faith but also for the deepening of religious life both in families and the entire nation. His care for the life of the unborn child and the family stood out as an essential element of his pastoral programme. He used to stress the irreplaceable role of parents in upbringing, including religious education. Cardinal Wyszyński’s programme was based on Marian piety and a positive view of the Church, which was typical of most Catholics. He also stressed the significance of popular devotion and the important role of lay people in the Church. Father Lech Bilicki’s doctoral dissertation is a good study of Cardinal Wyszyński’s pastoral programme, which continues to deserve a profound analysis and can offer a useful aid in pastoral work in the present-day situation of the Catholic Church in Poland.