POSŁUGA KAPELANA WOJSKOWEGO W LATACH 1918-1920 W ŚWIETLE PAMIĘTNIKA KS. ANDRZEJA MASNEGO-MKNIEWSKIEGO CM
THE SERVICE OF A MILITARY CHAPLAIN IN THE YEARS 1918–1920 IN THE LIGHT OF THE MEMOIR OF REV. ANDRZEJ MASNY-MKNIEWSKI, CM

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of the article is to introduce the issue of military pastoral care during the Polish-Ukrainian War (1918–1919) and the Polish-Bolshevik War (1919–1920). One of the important events after the end of World War I was the establishment of the Field Bishopric of the Polish Army in Poland. Rev. Stanisław Gall, previously auxiliary bishop of the Warsaw Archdiocese, became the first field bishop in 1919. The article showcases the rules of military chaplains during this difficult period. The main part of the publication was devoted to the life and activities of Rev. Andrzej Masny-Mkniewski, CM. His ministry as a chaplain was analysed in detail on the basis of his personal recollections. At first, he served in the general hospital, as well as on the streets of the city during the defence of Lviv (from November 1918 to February 1919). He served as chaplain of the 8th Legion Infantry Regiment from 24 March to 12 November 1919. Together with the regiment, he participated in the Battle of Denysiv and Berezhany, among other battles. Then, by decision of the military pastoral authorities, he was assigned to the 35th Infantry Regiment, where he remained from 25 November to 10 September 1920. Noteworthy in this period is his heroic stand during the retreat from the Dnieper and Grodno rivers, the attack and assault on the village of Kalinowo near Wyszków, as well as during the crossing at Borkowo near Nasielsk. In the memoirs of commanders, he is remembered as a pastor who fulfilled his ministry not only in the barracks, but above all as a zealous confessor during frontline battles. He celebrated Mass and organized other services in many places and attended funerals of fallen soldiers. He visited soldiers in the hospital, during rest, as well as during combat operations. He spared no effort or good word to encourage soldiers to fight the advancing enemy. As the regiment’s education officer, he also fulfilled his duties in every respect, distributing books to subunits and individual soldiers and arranging various talks.

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