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Henryk Przeździecki: An Advocate of the Ecclesiastical Union in Poland
Abstract
Rev. Henryk Przeździecki, Ph.D. (1873-1939), Bishop of Podlasie, was ordained priest on 22 December 1895. Almost from the beginning, he combined priesthood functions with the work of a lecturer in a seminary and the duties of a journalist, publishing important articles and scholarly papers in the Catholic encyclopaedia and several publishing houses.
He undertook numerous responsible tasks in the Church, which was also of significance for the Polish state (e.g. the territorial shape of the diocese in the Second Polish Republic, the concordat, the neo-union). At the age of 45, he became bishop of the newly revived Podlasie diocese. His activity was then adapted to the needs of the diocese’s faithful and priests. Bishop Przeździecki became known as an excellent organizer of religious life, a creator of Church institutions and a social activist. In fulfilling the duties of the shepherd of the reborn Podlasie diocese, he remained faithful to his vocation: Unitis viribus (in Latin: ‘with combined forces’), emphasising consistent cooperation of members of one Church of Christ. He sought support in the Catholic Church and its educational power rather than in ideology or efforts to overcome religious minorities.
He became an advocate of the ecclesial union in Poland, putting much effort into promoting the ecclesiastical union in the Eastern Borderlands of the Second Polish Republic, particularly in Podlasie. Not only did he admit Orthodox people to the Roman Catholic Church, but he also received special rights to establish the Neo-Vincent parish. He organised conferences with priests of both rites, visited parishes, supported those in need, tirelessly proclaimed the word of God and created Catholic organisations and neo-unionist fraternities. The bishop’s main goal was to implement the commandment of the love of God and the neighbour, which he tried to achieve through these organisations and brotherhoods. He presented an interesting proposal for priests of the Eastern rite to found brotherhoods of prayer for the cause of the ecclesial union. He actively participated in union conferences in Poland and abroad, where he delivered speeches and organised related events. He considered political motives an obstacle to union-promoting activities.
Thanks to his unwavering faith and trust in Jesus Christ, he overcame various obstacles related to pastoral activity in the diocese of Podlasie and the promotion of the union in Poland.
Keywords:
Henryk Przeździecki, union, religious organisations, pastoral pedagogyDetails
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