Inicjacja chrześcijańska w świetle kazań Cezarego z Arles
The Christian Initiation in the Sermons of the Caesarius of Arles

Summary/Abstract: The Christian initiation in the Ancient times, understood as an introduction of new members to the Church, consisted of some specified elements. The initiation itself pertained only to adults. The sacraments, especially the preparation to them and the possibility to receive them, were the most important in this process. There were three sacraments of the Christian initiation, i.e. Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. They were received in this order, and candidates were prepared to them respectively. The whole process was completed by the reception of Eucharist, and the right to participate in it. The initiation, once practiced in this way, was an efficient method of the Christian formation. The Caesarius of Arles’ activity occurred at the beginning of the 6th century. His Sermons analysis proves that the preparation process to the reception of the initiation sacraments looked similar as in the previous period. Nevertheless, it was significantly simplified, and that negatively impacted the Christians formation. Its institutional frameworks were undermined. The practice of an infant baptism started prevailing, and the responsibility for the formation was mostly taken by parents. In the article, there were emphasized those Christian formation elements which Caesarius of Arles referred to.

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