Formacja patriotyczna żołnierzy Polskich Sił Powietrznych na Zachodzie (1939-1945)
Patriotic and Religious Formation of Polish Air Force Soldiers in Western Europe during World War II
Author(s): Józef ŁupińskiSubject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, History, History of Church(es), Recent History (1900 till today), Theology and Religion, WW II and following years (1940 - 1949)
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu w Białymstoku
Keywords: Polish Air Forces; Great Britain; France; II World War; catholic chaplain; patriotism; religious formation; II wojna światowa; Polskie Siły Powietrzne; Francja; Wielka Brytania; kapelani wojskowi
Summary/Abstract: All of the chaplains of the Polish Air Force in the West during World War II were Roman Catholic priests. They were delegated to the pastoral ministry of soldiers serving in air units in RAF bases, assigned to a given pastoral area. Their duties included: celebrating Sunday Masses, administration of sacraments (Baptism, Matrimony), visiting the sick and wounded in hospitals, celebrating funerals, as well as hearing confessions, everything connected with the spiritual care and support for the air force soldiers. The chaplains served Poles who fought far from their families, often without any news about them since the beginning of the war. Even if contact with their families could be established, the soldiers remained concerned and uncertain about the future of their relatives living under the German and Russian occupation. The chaplains had to make efforts to keep up the morale in the ranks. They played a significant role not only in the spiritual and religious formation of soldiers but also their patriotic formation. The purpose of this formation was to shape in them not only the mature attitude of Christian soldiers, but also a deep love for their Homeland (patriotism).
Journal: Rocznik Teologii Katolickiej
- Issue Year: 17/2018
- Issue No: 3
- Page Range: 287-303
- Page Count: 17
- Language: Polish