The “Lay State” – a Signifier of Transformations in the Church?

Author(s): Herman Lombaerts / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2015

This article explores the renewal lay people initiated at a decisive moment in Church history. In the 16th – 17th century, with the development of the modern school, lay people were given the responsibility to teach religion and to guarantee Christian education in schools. A new type of religious congregation, with exclusively lay members, emerged. They had an impressive impact, worldwide, over the past three centuries. However, as the members of these congregations declined dramatically over the past decades, one wonders whether new generations will succeed in guaranteeing continuity in the near future. Or will ordinary, secular but baptized lay people create new forms of association while taking on responsibility for school education? Michel Sauvage (1923-2001), a French member of the De La Salle religious order, studied the theological identity of the lay “teaching brother” as initiated by J.-B. De La Salle at the end of the 17th century. The present situation, with 1.9 % brothers left and 97.6 % ordinary lay teachers in the educational institutions worldwide, seems to suggest that, once more, a historical mutation is occurring in the church.

Edith Stein – “Great Daughter of Israel and Carmel”, Searching for the Truth Every Day

Author(s): Andrzej Pryba / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2015

Edith Stein was born in a traditional religious Jewish family. In her youth, she stopped praying and lost her faith in God. She was, however, very faithful in searching for the truth, which had become her life's passion. First, the article presents various definitions of truth. Then it deals with phenomenological methods of discovering the truth about man, which were characteristic of Edith Stein. Finally, it shows her discovery of the God of Love, who pulled her towards mystical union in the spirituality of Carmel. St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) died in the concentration camp at Auschwitz experiencing the mystery of the Cross of Christ and sacrificing herself for her nation.

Зараждането на култа към почитането на мощи – произход и практики

Author(s): Elena Tsoneva / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2016

Тhe phenomenon of “translation of relics and reliquaries” is of particular significance for the Мedieval epoch, retaining its relevance, even nowadays. The collection and transfer of reliquaries are not isolated events. They are parts of a profound culture that marked its beginning with the acceptance of Christianity as an official religion by Emperor Constantine the Great in 313 AD. Although, the worship of mortal remains was not accepted unequivocally in the beginning, it succeeded, for a short period, to establish itself as a tradition. The article discusses some questions about the formation of the practice of transposition of relics, the acceptance of this idea by the Christian Church, as well as the necessity of establishing a large scope of visual and material images and rituals.

Omul providenţial pentru Eparhia Vadului, Feleacului şi Clujului

Author(s): Andrei Andreicuţ / Language(s): Romanian Issue: 02/2016

Paying tribute to the ancestors is a gesture of gratitude and an antidote to oblivion. Highlighting their wonderful deeds shows character. If we keep quiet about Bishop Nicolae Ivan’s accomplishments, “the stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40) about them, especially the stones of the Cathedral’s walls. Wherever we go and whenever we look throughout the eparchy, we encounter the accomplishments of this great founder. At his arrival in Cluj, Bishop Nicolae Ivan was 66 years old and showed great experience. The mission he carried out in the Sibiu eparchy, including the building of cathedrals and churches in Sibiu, Alba Iulia, Aiud and Orăştie, recommended him as the most appropriate refounder of the eparchy. Moreover, the confidence that he was granted proved to be auspicious. We strongly affirm that the city has been marked by his personality. And today, the city is mostly Romanian and Orthodox.

Papi forradalmi magatartások a megtorlások tükrében. Erdélyi római katolikus egyházmegyés papság 1848–49-ben

Author(s): Zsolt-József Tamási / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 1/2016

The Transylvanian Roman Catholic diocesan clergy’s revolutionary conduct outlined in the light of reprisals. After the 1848 revolution, where even Catholic priests took part, reprisals followed. The bishop tried to protect the priests by diff erent kinds of protective mechanisms. One of the most effective steps was the one to punish the revolutionary priests within the church, thus saving them from the state reprisal. The article analyzes the engagement of the priests with the revolution and the revolutionary role of the priests. Another interesting aspect of the problem is the behaviour of some priests toward the Austrian authorities.

Prymat historyczności czytań hagiograficznych w księdze Liturgii godzin. Kwestie redakcyjne

Author(s): Jerzy Stefański / Language(s): Polish Issue: 4/2011

Nine groups, the largest number for any one liturgical book, were established among those in the first series for the reform of Roman Office, or “Breviary,” as it was designated. These groups, numbered as designed in the general plan, were Group 1, the calendar; Group 2, revision of the Psalter; Group 3, distribution of the psalms; Group 4, biblical readings of the Office; Group 5, patristic readings; Group 6, hagiographic readings; Group 7, hymns; Group 8, chants of the Office; Group 9, general structure of the Divine Office. Both members and relators of Group 6 approved six principles to govern the selection of hagiographic readings. The principles, as presented by Fr. Agostino Amore, relator of Group 6, were the following: (1) Legends are to be expunged altogether; (2) true “acts” are to be used if available; (3) if acts are not available, an exposition from the Fathers regarding the saint will be used, or (4) a writing of the saint, if available, will be presented; (5) for saints of the Middle Ages or of modern times, a new reading, historically true and spirituality profitable, will be provided; and (6) at the beginning of a reading, in the manner of a rubric and as related to the reading, will be put some chronological and biographical elements regarding the saint.

Kościół na Górnym Śląsku. 90. rocznica ustanowienia diecezji katowickiej. Wystawa na Wydziale Teologicznym Uniwersytetu Śląskiego (Katowice, październik 2015 – maj 2016 roku)

Author(s): Ewa Sąsiadek / Language(s): Polish Issue: 43 (2)/2016

JESZCZE O ZABYTKOWYCH ORGANACH W KOŚCIOŁACH DIECEZJI RZESZOWSKIEJ (STUDIUM HISTORYCZNO-INSTRUMENTOZNAWCZE)

Author(s): Andrzej Widak / Language(s): Polish Issue: 23/2016

There are 148 pipe organs at churches in diocese of Rzeszów, 62 instruments areconsidered to be antique. One of the criterion of being antique is the age of the instrument. InPoland organs built before 1939 are antique. The subject of the article are the antique organsin the churches of Rzeszów diocese, which have not had separate study so far. These organsare in churches: Boguchwała, Brzyska, Dębowiec, Kąty, Kupno, Wola Rafałowska.The article was divided into two parts. The first one presents history of the church,the history of the instruments which survived and did not survived. As far as survived organsare concerned the description inventory was given (location and dimension of organ case,disposition, range of keyboards, action, kind of bellows). The second part includes a synthesisof analytical results.The article is based on material which was found in Archdiocesan Archive inPrzemyśl and Diocese Archive in Rzeszów. The information about organs are in 31 sources.The author conducted also query research at parish archives. The author used printed sourcesand information from books.When it comes to not survived organs there is information about 5 instruments. Itwas impossible to establish builders of these instruments. One may assume that theyfunctioned in the churches from 17th to the 19th century.In case of survived organs three of them were transferred (Dębowiec, Kąty, Kupno).At this stage of the study it was possible to determine the date of creation and builders of fiveinstruments. The construction year and the builder of the organ in Kupno has not beenestablished yet.Boguchwała -1905, 6 stops, one Manual and Pedal, Gebrüder - RiegerBrzyska -1883, 12 stops, one Manual and Pedal, Stanisław JanikKąty -1902, 12 stops, one Manual and Pedal, Aleksander ŻebrowskiKupno – 19th century, 13 stops, one Manual and Pedal, the builder is unknownDębowiec - 1935, 19 stops, two Manual and Pedal, Stefan KrukowskiWola Rafałowska -1893, 12 stops, one Manual and Pedal, Jan GrocholskiEleven instruments were described in this article.

Tajemnica sakramentu chrztu w celebracjach liturgicznych 1050-lecia Chrztu Polski w archidiecezji łódzkiej

Author(s): Karol Litawa / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2/2017

The 1050th Anniversary of the Baptism of Poland became for the faithful a remembrance of theirroots as well as their Christian identity. At the same time the anniversary itself became a source of inspirationsfor the organisation of the program of liturgical and social celebrations in many places of ourhomeland. An exceptional example of such celebrations was arranged by the Archdiocese of Łódź withits five statio, when the Mystery of Baptism permeated thematically every celebration; each one wasdedicated to a specified topic: in Łask – the cult of Mother of God, in Łódź – the Eucharist, in PiotrkówTrybunalski – the Decalogue in light of the Law, in Tomaszów Mazowiecki – caritas and the care forthe poor, in Konstantynów Łódzki – the martyrologium.

Catechesis in Italy between the Two Vatican Councils – 1870–1962

Author(s): Carl-Mario Sultana / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2017

The article endeavours to give a bird’s eye view of catechesis in Italy as from 1870 to the threshold of Vatican Council II – 1962. The point of departure is a study of the use of the Catechism as the handbook for catechesis. The study will then move on study the efforts of individuals – from priests to Pope Pius X – who sought to positively influence catechesis through their ministry and how different Congresses and Conventions helped in trying to formulate a more coherent catechesis throughout Italy. Finally, the paper will end by a study of the Active Method which was to be the unifying factor for catechesis in Italy prior to Vatican Council II.

Reorganizacja Kościoła ewangelicko-augsburskiego w Polsce międzywojennej w świetle dekretu Prezydenta Rzeczypospolitej z 25 listopada 1936 r. oraz rozporządzenia Rady Ministrów z dnia 17 grudnia 1936 r.

Author(s): Łukasz Krucki / Language(s): English,Polish Issue: 03/2017

The Evangelical-Augsburg Church traces its origins to the 16 century, but during Poland's national captivity found itself under the influence of the occupation authorities. After the Poland regained its independence the Church experienced a period of development and uninhibited activity. This was also a time of establishing relations with the reborn Polish state. The task was undertaken by Bishop Juliusz Bursche of the Evangelical-Augsburg Church. This period of development was brought to a halt by the outbreak of WW II, and after it ended, the communist system was installed in Poland. The act of 4 July 1947 definitively negated the pre-war achievements.

Projekty reorganizacji struktur Kościoła katolickiego w Polsce w zespole Sekretariatu Prymasa Polski Archiwum Archidiecezjalnego Warszawskiego

Author(s): Michał Białkowski / Language(s): English,Polish Issue: 03/2017

Poland's geopolitical situation after the end of the WW II had enormous impact on the situation of the Catholic Church there, especially its administrative structures. The new shape of state borders led to the loss of large parts of Lvov and Vilnius archdioceses, whose capitals now lay on Soviet Union territory. In turn, the adjoining of the Eastern German provinces made it possible to undertake the effort of building new Church structures.

Sanktuaria pogańskie odzwierciedleniem światopoglądu dawnych Słowian na pograniczu polsko-ruskim

Author(s): Olga Osadczy / Language(s): Polish Issue: 3/2018

AbstraktPogańskie miejsca kultu odzwierciedlały wierzenia dawnych Słowian, są one ważnym, materialnym źródłem dla zrozumienia pogańskiej religii oraz sposobów odprawiania kultu. Dzięki wykopaliskom archeologicznym można prześledzić rozwój sanktuariów pogańskich od jam ofiarnych, placów-gontyn aż do rozbudowanych potężnych centrów kultowych. Na interesujących nas ziemiach istniało kilka dużych sanktuariów pogańskich. Te potężne ośrodki wpływały na światopogląd miejscowej ludności, ich struktura oraz obrzędowość były dobrze rozbudowane. W późniejszych czasach Kościół musiał się liczyć z wpływami pogańskich ośrodków kultowych, poniekąd nawet zakładając swe świątynie w miejscach czczenia bożków pogańskich.

Działalność Karola Wojtyły na forum Konferencji Episkopatu Polski i jej komisji (1958-1978)

Author(s): Michał Białkowski / Language(s): English,Polish Issue: 03/2018

The aim of this paper is to present the leading role of Karol Wojtyła in the work of the Episcopal Conference of Poland (ECP) in the years 1958–1978. Therefore, the main research problem will be a description of Karol Wojtyła’s participation and actual influence on the activities of the Episcopal Conference of Poland, together with evaluation of the effects of his activities. The following hypotheses can be formulated. 1) Karol Wojtyła’s influence on the work of ECP evolved along with his changing position in the Episcopate structures (a strong trend for an increasing influence); 2) Karol Wojtyła undertook multi-faceted, multi-directional and multidimensional actions; 3) actions undertaken by Karol Wojtyła in ECP significantly influenced the development of relationships between the state and the Church. The studies were conducted using the historical (genetic) method and content analyses, which allow to present the following factual data. Karol Wojtyła played an important role in work of ECP and its specialist committees. From 1958 (his appointment as the suffragan bishop of Kraków) he was a member of the ECP, and in 1964 (appointment as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kraków) he joined the top management group – EP Main Commission. As part of the tasks he was appointed then, he prepared pastoral letters and participated in development of relationships with the government of the Polish People’s Republic; he was also responsible for contacts with the Apostolic See and episcopal conferences abroad; and he inspired changes in the organisational structure, aims and tasks of ECP. His participation in the work of specialist commissions represented an important part of his involvement with the Episcopal Conference of Poland. During twenty years of his ministry as a bishop Karol Wojtyła was a member of the following commissions: Commission for the Lay Apostolate - chairman in 1966–1978; Sub-commission for Studies – chairman in 1967–1970; Commission for Catholic Education – chairman in 1970–1978; Science Council – chairman in 1972–1978; Commission for Christian Ministry – member in 1958–1978; Council Commission – member in 1963–1970; and Vocations Commission – member in 1967–1970. The number and the diversity of proposals, projects, and postulates notified by him prove the unique intellect, organisational skills and leadership skills of the future pope.

Gróf Széchényi Miklós váradi püspök bronz mellszobra

Author(s): Zsolt Sipos / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 01/2018

A Széchényi-szentségmutató

Author(s): Zsolt Sipos / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 02/2018

Gaudí, Isten építésze

Author(s): Dániel Bodnár / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 02/2018

Gaudí, Isten építésze, Barcelona, Antoni Gaudí Boldoggá Avatásáért Munkálkodó Egyesület, 2016.

Történelmi utazás Napóleon és VII. Piusz pápa nyomában Fontainebleau-ban

Author(s): György Fodor / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 11/2018

TRANSCENDENȚA: ÎNTRE MASCULIN ȘI FEMININ

Author(s): Mihai D. Vasile / Language(s): Romanian,Moldavian Issue: 2/2016

The present paper distinguishes among the many contemporary Freudian commentators of Transcendence, between philosophers and practitioners, trying to offer a general method for the definition of transcendence, with a special analysis on Erich Fromm’s conception about transcendence in two aspects, namely masculine and feminine.

PEDAGOGIA TANATOLOGICĂ ÎN APOCRIFA TESTAMENTUL LUI AVRAAM

Author(s): Nicolae DRĂGUȘIN / Language(s): Romanian,Moldavian Issue: 2/2016

Abraham’s Testament is one of two apocryphal writings – susceptible of Christian influence – that deals with the Abraham which is the primary figure of monotheistic religions. This apocrypha narrates the conflict between Abraham, the Righteous, and Death (which is understood as divorce of soul from body). This conflict has an ontological dimension and is not only mere initiation. However, this essay attempts to argue that the main point of this apocrypha is not the conflict as such, but the understanding of death. Hence, the accent lies not in the existential dimension (Abraham’s struggle to refute Death’s invitation) but in the gnoseological dimension. In other words, the essay suggests the pedagogical reading of apocrypha (what Abraham has to learn about death and ultimately about himself while struggling) instead of the phenomenological one (his obstinate refusal to die and the subsequent fight with a personified Death). Needless to say, these two dimensions are not to be separated: they work together since one way to understand Abraham’s refusal to submit himself to Death’s request (here as person) is the fact that he does not understand the deep meaning of death (here as process which does not discriminate even the Righteous). Hence, prior to understanding a natural process, Abraham has to understand the personification of this process and – I claim – that is the point which the apocrypha makes.This apocrypha and the essay that I propose might be used further to comment upon some excellent adaptations of Death’s personification: Death Takes a Holiday (1934) directed by Mitchell Leisen and Meet Joe Black (1998) by Martin Brest with Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins.