The thoughts of John Paul II about Poland

Abstract

The present article is an attempt to systematize the teaching of John Paul II about Poland delivered during his pilgrimage in June 1979 and to show its sources: history, literature, the Gospel.

The main characteristic of Polish history, of the mentality of the nation and its culture is their close connection with the person and teaching of Jesus Christ handed down by the Church during the millennium. The Slavic, Christian and humanistic elements of Polish culture make an integral unity, constantly developing under the continuous influence of the Church, external factors and the psychical needs of the nation. The development of the Church and social organizations, the consolidation of the hierarchical, moral and legal order, and of political structures were to a degree conditioned by the activity of the eminent saints: Wojciech, Stanisław, Jadwiga and Kolbe. Each of them largely contributed to the development of the Polish culture.

The Motherland is not only the land, but first of all the people, irrespective of their philosophy of life, creating culture which in turn, forms their consciousness, their social and moral attitudes and their creation. In his homilies the Pope stressed the role of the intelligentsia, workers, farmers and students in creating the culture. The Motherland is both land and a graveyard — this statement points to the link between the present national culture and past generations whose examples of nobility in life are commemorated in achievements and graves.

The future of Poland, according to John Paul II, depends upon the constant strengthening of the ties of Christianity with all the values achieved by the nation in its long historic experience: faith to the Gospel and Christ, Mariolatry, so characteristic of Polish religiousness, defence of the family and the dignity of every man, pluralism of philosophical attitudes and tolerance, openness to the needs of the fellow creatures, readiness to help others even to the injury of one’s own self and love of freedom with a readiness to necessary sacrifice.

True patriotism requires the knowledge of the past and tradition, a regard for them and a fight against national vices. The love of Motherland also demands constant care for the realization of the evangelic principles in individual, social and political life, and for the dissemination of the consciousness of the necessity of service to the common good.