Mass Media in the Latin Archdiocese of Lviv in the Interwar Period

Abstract

The Roman-Catholic Archdiocese of Lviv participated actively in the Publishing and media initiatives of the Polish Church in the interwar period. Particularly creditable in this area are Towarzystwo Wydawnicze „Biblioteka Religijna” [Publishing Society „Religious Library”], launched in Lviv in 1921 by the priests: Teofil Długosz and Ignacy Chwirut. The society published scientific treatises and popular works, religious literature and church journals targeted at diocesan and domestic audiences. Among the latter, there were titles such as „Przegląd Teologiczny” [Theological Review] or „Collectanea Theologica”. The Catholic publishing movement in the Archdiocese of Lviv also engaged Catholic Action, which recognized publishing to be an effective tool in their efforts at formation and preparing their members for apostolic mission. The Lviv Institute of Higher Religious Education was also involved in publishing activities. In the interwar period, there were about 40 Catholic journals issued in the Archdiocese: official, scientific-theological, the ones issued by ecclesiastical organizations and associations, parish-based, devotional, ascetic as well as religious calendars. In its evangelising mission, the Church also relied on the radio. This means was broadly used in the Archdiocese and in the whole country by the Secretariat for the Apostolate of the Sick, headed by Rev. Michał Rękas. Their broadcasts were addressed to the sick and pain-stricken. Film was also becoming a more and more popular medium, which was largely due to the efforts of Catholic Action and the Conventual Franciscans, who launched a cinema called „PAX” in Lviv.