Katolickie stowarzyszenia młodzieży w diecezji włocławskiej w latach 1918-1939.
THE CATHOLIC YOUTH ASSOCIATIONS IN THE DIOCESE OF WŁOCŁAWEK IN THE YEARS 1918-1939.

Summary/Abstract: After World War I in the Diocese of Kalisz and Kujawy and later (1925) of Włocławek, the Catholic youth was affiliated to the Association of Polish Youth (SMP in Polish) and its activity was based on general secretariats. Anybody between the ages of 14 and 25 could belong to the association. The members wore special uniforms and badges. The main objective of the association was primarily to bring up young people as intelligent and practising Catholics. This objective was achieved by organising conferences, seminars, courses, lectures, retreats, as well as establishing libraries, reading rooms, clubs, visiting museums, exhibitions and participating in concerts and celebrations. General secretaries were successively the following priests W. Zawadzki, A. Radomski and S. Pietruszka. When in 1931 the Catholic Action was created, the Catholic Association of Polish Youth was incorporated into this organization. On 1 August 1934, associations and youth organizations were organized in the Diocesan Catholic Association of Male Youth and Catholic Association of Female Youth, which reported to the Diocesan Office. Each branch included different sections: Eucharistic, singing, theatrical, educational, literary and sports. They organized diocesan and district gatherings (rallies). In the 1930s, the so called Social Weeks enjoyed great popularity. Social Weeks were the courses in practical skills combined with closed retreats, organized by particular districts, and even private individuals. Each year on the day of their patron Saint Stanislaus Kostka or the first Sunday after November 13, the Catholic Youth of the Diocese of Włocławek organized Youth Day, which was a kind of manifestation of Christian ideals. Young people took an active part in the Eucharistic Congresses in Kalisz and Sieradz, as well as the annual celebration of Christ the King and the liturgical life of their parishes. Before the outbreak of the Second World War, the Catholic Association of Male Youth and the Catholic Association of Female Youth existed virtually in all parishes in the Diocese of Włocławek.

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