Głoszenie „Ewangelii wyzwolenia” w parafii

Abstract

In the recent thirty years we have seen a modem form of folk missions, the so-called “evangelizing retreat” It is not conducted by a single preacher but by a whole evangelizing team. The retreats are based on the services of God’s word, and during the last two days it is liturgy of the sacrament of penance and reconciliation, as well as of the Eucharist that is recited. The main aim here is a personal encounter with Christ the Savior, and a transformation of one’s life that is connected with it; this is why after the retreat undertaking a formation in a Christian community is suggested. Rev. Franciszek Blachnicki was a pioneer of such actions in Poland. He designed a few types of evangelizing retreats. The present article analyzes the retreats according to the program called “The Gospel of Liberation” that he designed basing on Gospel according to St. Luke. He described it in his book Liberated in Christ. The addressees of the retreats are called to save the man who is humiliated in his dignity, especially by modem forms of enslavement. An outer result of the retreat should be, among others, joining the Crusade for Liberation of Man that uses abstinence in young people to propagate a sober lifestyle. At the same time through regaining sobriety the retreat forms support circles for the addicted among adults. People who are addicted are invited to join self-help groups, like the AA. Selected pericopes from the Gospel according to St. Luke show the Biblical and theological dimension of the mission of Christ, who was endowed with the Spirit of the Lord. During the services Christ who liberates the man is presented as Jesus – the Colossus of Spirit, Jesus – the Doctor of Sinners, Jesus – the Brightness of the World, Jesus – Our Brother, Jesus – the Servant. The theological-Biblical inspirations contained in the handbook of parish retreats have also proven to be extremely creative when applied to school retreats and closed retreats for the addicted and their families. Despite the fact that twenty years have passed since Rev. Franciszek Blachnicki’s death an extraordinary fruitfulness of his theological concept of the “liberated man” can be seen in pastoral and liturgical service.