Tematyka listów św. Rafała Kalinowskiego do rodziny

Abstract

Writing about the topics of Józef Kalinowski’s letters to his family required a certain approach: first, at least a brief introduction regarding the four-volume collection of these letters; second, the explanation of what the word “family” meant to Kalinowski; third, focusing on a selected group of letters, namely on the thirty-two letters addressed to the Saint’s brother Wiktor and his wife Maria (Masia.) The analysis of these letters leads to the conclusion that their topics are not of the highest importance. Kalinowski alludes to similar things in every one of them: personal issues, current situation, matters pertaining to the January Uprising, to the nation, to fellow man, as well as matters regarding the practice of one’s faith. What does come across as most important is the contact with his kin by means of exchanging letters. Moreover, all of these letters disclose the true spiritual profi le of the Saint; and it differs from the way he was commonly, and superficially, perceived by others.