Religiousness: the first survey in PolandA team of researchers from the Institute for Sociology and Dialogue under the aegis of the renown Catholic monthly “Wiez”, issued the first report regarding the religiousness of the Polish people. The survey presents the views of a number of religious and secular scholars regarding the Church in Poland collected with the SWOT method (Strenghts – Weaknesses -Opportunities – Threats). The strong attachment to the Country’s tradition, history and culture are the basic traits of Polish religiousness. Compared to the neighbouring countries, and especially to the rest of Europe, the Poles are marked by a strong religious tradition with a high percentage of faithful attending Sunday and daily Mass. Breviary prayer is widespread in Poland, much more than in other European countries. The high number of priests enables the Poles to perform the sacraments on a regular basis, especially the sacrament of penance, which shows a general awareness of sin. Popular religiosity, that is perceivable on various occasions, indicates, according to the scholars, the will to respond to the calling of God and live faith within the community. Furthermore, the problems of religion and faith are often addressed by the media, both in the public and private sectors. The general public’s interest for these problems is a sign of their strong ties with the Church. Mercy: an international congress”The school of mercy of Saint Faustina and John Paul II”. This was the theme of the Third International Congress on Mercy held in Krakow October 2-4, on the eve of the 70th anniversary of the death of Sister Faustina, solemnly commemorated on Sunday October 5th. The congress was attended by a large number of representatives of the apostolate of mercy from over 40 different countries. The theme of the congress prompted speakers to focus upon merciful service in human relations, taking John Paul II as the role model. The congress was held a week before the beatification of Michal Sopocko, confessor of Saint Faustina, celebrated in Bialystok on September 28 to the presence – as pontifical legate – of the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints Msgr. Angelo Amato. “A humble priest, led by the Almighty Providence to spread the truth on Divine Mercy to mankind, grasped the world message present in the visions of a simple nun”, said cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz in his homily. In memory of John Paul II”The fruits of the great pontificate” is the title of the letter written by Polish Bishops on the occasion of the 30th anniversary since the election of Karol Wojtyla to the papal throne. The bishops recalled that thirty years ago, the homeland of the Pope “from a distant land” was a Country which witnessed a short period of independence (1918-1939), was marked by the terrible experience of the Second War, and after having been liberated from the nightmare of Nazi rule became the victim of the impious communist regime. For over forty years this regime opposed all attempts at freedom and democracy and manipulated consciences, replacing truth with slander, instilling fear and violence”. The bishops acknowledged that “the deep wounds that were inflicted upon us have not healed yet”. However, in the face of difficulties, “the Church continued proclaiming Jesus Christ and defending human dignity”, the bishops declared. The Papal election of John Paul II, testifies to the fact that “our difficult experience in Poland took on a new and deeper meaning”, said the bishops. “More than before we are aware that despite the iron curtain we belong to the great community of the universal Church and our struggle to bring God in the lives of people and into society has acquired greater meaning”. The Polish bishops underlined “John Paul’s II crucial contribution in determining the social and political changes that occurred in our part of the world, dominated by a totalitarian ideology”. They also remarked, “John Paul II didn’t have political ambitions. His ambitions went much higher. He expressed them clearly on the day of the inauguration of his pontificate with the words “do not be afraid, open your doors to Christ”. The anniversary of the pontificate of John Paul II was recalled also in the conclusive message of 3° Congress of Christian culture, held in Lublin September 25 – 28. Participants claimed they hope that “in the Pope’s Magisterium” they will find “the inspiration to solving the difficult questions regarding the religious, human and social patrimony of our continent”.
