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Education in faith is an inalienable right of every human being, including people with intellectual disabilities. It is implemented with the cooperation of three educational environments: family, school and parish. Its integral element is the sacramental catechesis preparing for the sacraments of penance and reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. This kind of ministry of proclaiming the Word of God to people with intellectual disabilities results not only from the necessity for the baptized persons with intellectual disabilities to accept the sacraments of Christian initiation and the sacrament of penance and reconciliation, but above all from the canons’ interpretation of the canonical code, theological opinion and catechetical and pedagogical practice.
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Imposition of hands belongs to the essence of the ordination rites of bishops, presbyters and deacons, beside the ordination prayer itself. This gesture occurs in close correlation with the ordination prayer which follows it. The prayer of blessing and petition determines its meaning. The post-conciliar liturgical reform of the rites of ordination emphasized the rite of imposition of hands, thus restoring its original meaning. The aim of this article is to show the origin and theological meaning of the gesture of imposition of hands, as well as its place in the structure of ordination celebrations in the first millennium. The gesture of imposition of hands has biblical roots. In the New Testament, placing hands on a candidate meant imparting to him the charism appropriate to the office. In the ritual schema contained in the apostolic Tradition, the gesture of laying on of hands is used to entrust the office of bishop, presbyter and deacon. It plays a central role in the dynamics of the celebration of Holy Orders.
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This study presents the structure of the concluding rites of the Mass in the post-conciliar Missal and their changes in the three typical editions. The post-conciliar reform preserved the tradition of the rites. In the Missal they are better arranged and more transparent with their meaning more clearly conveyed. The subsequent small changes were aimed at deepening this process. Therefore, the study gives selected historical roots of the rites and presents the corrections made in the Missal. This enables a better understanding of the evolution of the individual elements of the rites. It also serves as a spur to further research on the roots of the liturgical reform.
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In this article, author presented the process of renewing the musical culture of the Diocese of Lublin just after the end of World War II. The collected sources lead to Stefan Wyszyński, who as the diocesan bishop turned out to be a courageous inspirer, undertaking a series of activities to rebuild the proper level of liturgical life in the Diocese of Lublin. In order to implement the assumptions, Bishop Wyszyński created real opportunities to improve the professional qualifications of church musicians, and thus initiated the process of teaching the faithful a new liturgical repertoire as well as correcting musical and theological errors of the songs previously used. The renovation of many old instruments, as well as the construction of new church organs, had a natural influence on the level of musical culture in the Diocese of Lublin. Care for church music by Bishop Wyszyński was also manifested in admirable (for difficult post-war times) decisions on how to finance the Church’s employees.The presented materials on the subject of church music in the years 1946–1948 in the Diocese of Lublin allow to state that thanks to the Bishop Stefan Wyszyński a lot was done to influence the level of the Church’s musical culture. Until today, after 70 years, these activities should be pointed out as a model to be followed.
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From a ritual and theological point of view, the imposition (laying on) of hands, the fundamental and essential gesture in the Sacrament of Order, has a rich and interesting history. The Second Vatican Council returned to the theological thought of Christian antiquity, treating the impositio manuum as the substantial gesture of the aforementioned sacrament. Together with the consecratory prayer this gesture constitutes the “form” and the “matter” of the sacrament. In the feudal-medieval era, especially from the 10th century, the ritual is neglected and placed in the shadow of the ordination rite. The first place took traditio instrumentorum, which lasted until the 20th century. Beyond these historical changes, the gesture of the imposition (laying on) of hands was always present within the rite of the priestly order, and for this reason, in the ordinate it is always stable sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
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Already from the Apostolic times, the important postbaptismal rituals include, above all, the imposition of hands (impositio manuum). This is confirmed by the liturgical testimonies of the first centuries, combining this gesture with the tradition of the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the early Middle Ages, when Confirmation became a rite independent of baptism, the impositio manuum was less and less important, and oil anointing, which was accompanied by the appropriate formula, took over its important role. After the Council of Trent, Apostolic practice in this regard is recalled and restored to some extent, but the actual gesture itself is still anticipated by anointing with formula. The renewal of the Confirmation liturgy after Vatican II revaluated the laying on of hands (in the sense of extensio manuum), which is associated with prayer for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
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The author of the article takes on the issue of the place of the Eucharist in Christian initiation in its historical-liturgical aspect. He draws attention to the fundamental awareness during the first millennium of the unity and proper sequence of the sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism—Confirmation—Eucharist. Its disappearance can be noted at the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries, together with the practice of Holy Communion for children. He points out that during the post-Tridentine era the order of conferring the sacraments of initiation was reversed: baptism-Eucharist-confirmation, and this state was perpetuated by the decree Quam Singulari (1910), which separated the sacraments from each other even more. The author draws attention to the two models of Christian initiation rising from Vatican Council II, the Ordo Baptismi Parvulorum (1969) emphasizing the practice of baptism of infants followed several years later by First Communion and at a later time, confirmation; and the Ordo Initiationis Christianae Adultorum (1972), concerning preparation for confirmation and the Eucharist for adults. Referring to the views of Salvatore Marsili, the author of the article makes an evaluation of these models. He sees the one connected to the Ordo Initiationis Christianae Adultorum as well-balanced, with its focal point being the Eucharist. This model retains the theological sequence of the sacraments and treats the Eucharist, rather than confirmation, as the fullness and summit of Christian initiation. It also allows for a proper designation of baptism as the sacrament of inclusion into the mystery of salvation but still requiring confirmation and the Eucharist for full inclusion in the reality of the Church.
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The Council of Trent undertook the task of presenting the doctrine of the Eucharist, especially in confrontation with the teaching of dissenters. This reflection was systematically included in the council decrees adopted at sessions in 1551 and 1562. At the pastoral level, this teaching, as an aid for priests, was included in the Roman Catechism, published in 1566. According to the teaching of the Council of Trent, catecheses were included in Polish agendas, which were to help the faithful not only understand the theological depth of the sacraments, but also had a parenetic character. An example are catecheses on the Eucharist on the agenda of Fr. Hieronim Powodowski.Biblical texts, both Old Testament images and New Testament events, were an important foundation in the Powodowski’s catecheses on the Eucharist. It is worth emphasizing the presentation of the Eucharist in the light of the whole history of salvation—from the creation of the world to the apogee in the mystery of Redemption. Christ’s call: “do this in remembrance of me” has been realized in the Church since the beginning of Christianity. This sacrament was seen as the source of all sacraments. The essential content of this approach is the fact that Christ is really present in the mystery of the Eucharist. Accepting this truth requires an attitude of faith in the real presence of Christ in Mass. It assumes an attitude of faith in transubstantiation, emphasizing the importance of the Eucharist as a sacrifice. Preparing the faithful to receive Holy Communion was a separate issue. Attention was drawn to the need for sacramental confession in the case of grave sins. At the same time, the Eucharist protects against grave sins, forgives venal sins, strengthens faith, hope and love, while maintaining piety. Therefore, humbleness and repentance were required, following the example of the Gospel centurion, and they were advised not to absentmindedly. A historical look at the mystery of the Eucharist will certainly contribute to the deepening of Eucharistic awareness among the faithful and will contribute to full, conscious and active participation in the Holy Mass.
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This article is about showing the reader a very small passage of a much broader topic: Liturgy for travelers, pilgrims and sailing on the sea. Based on the research, it turned out that the Church, as evidenced by the first written liturgical sources, i.e. the sacramentaries and then especially, at the height of the Middle Ages, the pontificals, the missals and the rituals, took care of these people by preparing appropriate liturgical texts. Mass forms should be listed here: Pro iter agentibus, Pro peregrinantibus and Pro navigantibus. This is the first group. The second group is the rite of blessing of people going on a trip or on pilgrimage (Ordo ad servicium peregrinorum faciendum) or their travel equipment, such as a bag, a walking stick, a cross and a cloak (Benedictio ad baculum et ad peram) and the rituals of returning from pilgrimage or travel (Benedictio peregrinorum post reditum). In the post-Conciliar liturgy, few formulas of this wealth of prayers remain in use.A separate and very interesting chapter are liturgical texts that are associated with the patronage of some saints, such as Saint James the Elder, Saint Raphael Archangel, Saint Julian, Saint Christopher, and Saint Three Kings. In the case of the Saint Three Kings, who were considered in the Middle Ages as patrons of travelers and pilgrims, and whose relics in the Cologne Cathedral attracted both newly crowned kings and crowds of other pilgrims from all over Europe, they were considered the first pilgrims of the Christian age who made pilgrimage to the newborn Jesus Christ. It is puzzling that the Mass forms (because the rites of blessing are unknown) can be classified into four distinct groups. Across Europe—from England to Germany and Poland—they can be found in many medieval missals, but not in Cologne missals.This article presents only the first Mass form De tribus magis pro iter agentibus. Mass orations develop the theme of the mags’ path from the East to Bethlehem to bow to the Messiah, whose special star came up in the sky and led them to Him, so that they could celebrate Him with mystical gifts. The Church prays for own faithful on their pilgrimage that through these saints and through their merits the pilgrims would abound in peace, health and prosperity. May Christ Himself, called the true Sun, Star and Light, lead them unscathed to the desired sanctuary. Further, the Church asks God to send pilgrims an Angel of Peace as a companion on the road, guarding them against the dangers of the body and soul and against the attacks of the old enemy, i.e. Satan, and that they become worthy of the Holy Spirit’s company. Another thought raised in euchology is the history of the Son of God (incarnation, passion and resurrection) and the role of angels as his witnesses, which is to express in the care of pilgrims day and night. The first Bible reading (Gen 24:7) is about Abraham’s journey to his homeland and the promise of an Angel as a companion on the road. On the other hand, the Gospel pericope (Lk 4:23b-30) is a conversation between the Pharisees and Jesus, who is not welcomed in his homeland. During this conversation, the tension between the homeland and the exile, between the stranger and the own plays an important role. For this reason, the pericope was probably chosen for the Mass form. Mass antiphons (introitus, graduale, offertorium and communio) have fragments of Psalms as their source and take up typical motifs for the discussed subject: God leading on the road, the company of angels on the road, trust in God and rescue in God. The sequence Maiestati sacrosantae militans, which was sometimes attached to this form, will be discussed in a separate article.
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All Polish catechisms and textbooks for teaching religion after the Council's renewal contain numerous Marian references. We are also a nation in which devotion to Mary is an obvious phenomenon with a significant degree of intensity. There is also a justified theory that Poles are maintaining a high level of religion in European conditions thanks to Marian pedagogy. This, however, obliges us to make a deeper reflection. The current position of the Church's Teaching Office is the verification point for the Polish model of Marian catechesis. This publication is about answering the question whether education through catechesis on being a disciple of Christ and a genuinely committed member of the Church can make use of the principle functioning in catechesis: look at Mary, the Mother of Jesus, because in her you will find help in living your Christian vocation. In a time when false anthropologies are dominating, like denying the existence of God and the need for religion, and fundamental rules of sociallife and moral principles are being questioned, reference to a stable point in the Christian life seems to be really necessary. The pattern of combining a dignified life with fidelity to the Gospel’s principles according to the Marian Way can still be a strong foundation of catechetical communication.
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Mystagogy is a profound catechetical introduction into the mysteries of faith and into the incomprehensible mystery of God. Initiation is a special function that the Church performs through catechesis. It is mainly connected with the sacraments of Christian initiation; catechesis facilitates the understanding, and educates to the reception, of all the sacraments, introducing into the understanding and life of the Church, into the liturgy and prayer that supports the process of initiation. Christian initiation is a dynamic and personal event and as such it also requires introduction into the personal mystery. It is an introduction to the mystery of humanity; a formation to the true and profound human life. The introduction of the catechised into the personal mystery protects against the institutional and functional treatment of the Church, liturgy, the sacraments, and prayer. Mystagogy, therefore, is an introduction to the depths of God's worship and to the mystery of humanity.
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A Catechetical explanation of the Scriptures and their relation to liturgy has become urgent, especially in today's secular society where most of the Church's doctrines and faith-practices are under threat of either losing their meaning or misinterpreted. Also, it has been contended that there is a connection between God's covenants and the New Testament Sacraments of Christian initiation. The article aims to explain the Scriptural relationship of the Sacraments of Christian initiation with God's covenants. The relevance of the study is not only to provide an explanation because of the growing awareness and the constant search for explanations of things but also to reaffirm the importance of these Sacraments and the essential nature of Christ who is God's wisdom and power.
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In each one of us there is an inborn need of the knowledge of everything that surrounds us and that in a true way. The love of truth reveals itself in the need to know it and to abide by it in our life. In coming to know the truth about the world which surrounds him, man gradually gains the aptitude of an independent distinguishing of truth from falseness. The securing of this capacity lets such a person be recognized as a mature human being. A most important element of education of the younger generation for truth is to show children and youth the person and life of Christ, who is not only the Truth, but also the Way, the Life and the Good (cf. J 14:6). For there is no education without a previous explaining of truth. Education in truth consists of seeking it, but also of giving testimony to it in the different circumstances of life. Education in truth is an education for a courageous life. For truth demands that we fearlessly stand by it and, should the need arise, defend it with courage, and even heroically sacrifice ourselves for it. The human being is called to a life in truth and love. This not only concerns those who educate, but also those who are educated.
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Sexual abuse of children occurs in various social environments. Currently, this subject emerges increasingly often not only in scientific studies, but also in the public debate and in programmes of prevention and education in schools. However, there are still not enough studies on the role of religion teaching in the prevention of sexual abuse of children. Due to their educational dimension and correlation with school teaching, religion lessons play an important role in prophylactic activities. They provide the right space for taking up initiatives in the prevention of sexual abuse of children. A new curriculum for religion teaching in the primary school emphasises issues related to a safe environment and recognising threats in one’s surrounding and responding properly. A religion teacher is obliged to not only look after children and ensure their safety, but also to equip them with knowledge and skills which will help them to recognise and avoid situations in which they are at risk of being abused sexually. When taking up the issues described above, this study refers both to education law and to new documents in the religious instruction curriculum. Attention was drawn to the objectives and content as well as to organisational and methodological solutions applied in preventive activities in this regard. In this context, the importance of the cooperation of a religion teacher with parents, the school and relevant services (e.g. police) was emphasised because the involvement of parents plays a very important role in preventing sexual abuse of children.
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The neoevangelical theology, embedded in the culture of the United States, is a kind of compromise between fundamental and liberal thought, in the Protestant world. Thus, it seems the closest in its assumptions to the theology of Catholic Church. Therefore, it is reasonable to examine what it says about the role of the Holy Spirit in shaping of a Christian life. This article, based on the preaching of Billy Graham, presents four activities of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life, distinguished by neoevangelical theology: he convicts about sin, he gives a new life, he helps to choose God, he lets people understand the Bible. Every activity was commented from the perspective of Catholic theology.
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Authors of texts representing preaching communication first and foremost aim to influence the recipient's attitudes and opinions. The language of the analyzed ordinances – even though it is simple, clear and accessible to its receiver; in this case, a priest, group formator – rebuts the statement made by contemporary linguists. This style, dominated by terms related to broadly understood theology and religious communication, enhances the persuasive function of the text, while retaining stylistic characteristics of a religious language. The plurality and variety of the linguistic devices used enriches the language and style, and contributes to its complex modality. Therefore, its persuasive function is a superior one, and it comprises a range of linguistic and stylistic devices characteristic of religious language texts.
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The proclamation of God's word always takes place in a specific cultural context. Culture is a system of meanings expressed in symbols. It is the work of a man who, as a symbolic being, creates and interprets symbols. Man is also a social being, together with others he creates a local community. In it, he experiences his everyday life, which also includes religious services and listening to the word of God. One of the members of the local community is a preacher − a priest. In order to best adapt the Good News to the listeners, he should learn about their culture. The preachers are helped by such cultural texts as: local stories; archival materials; demographic data; architecture and visual art; rituals; events and activities typical of the community; as well as conversations with people considered to be authorities. Analyzing and interpreting these cultural texts can help the preacher to inculturate the Gospel.
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The purpose of this publication is to provide some insight into the latest directions of research in homiletics in German-speaking regions. Due to multitude of publications the study has been divided into two parts. The first part describes activities of the German Homiletics Association (AGH), a publishing series “Okumenische Studien zur Predigt” and homiletic theology handbooks. The second part will present, based on several dozens monographs published between 2000-2018, directions of research in German-speaking homiletics.
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The article The activity of Bishop Stanislaw Adamski in the period of the Second Polish Republic in a complex way presents the shaping of the concept by Bishop Adamski after Poland regained Independence. The complex issues of this period in Polish history prompted the authors to pay particular attention to the subject of the state, law, science, the role of the Catholic Church and the economy in the thought of Bishop Stanislaw Adamski – a figure with extraordinary talents – a priest, citizen, social worker, economist, and Senator.
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