Religious Life of Poles in German

Abstract

In the middle of the 19th century thousands of Polish workers arrived in Germany to seek employment. Congragated in closely knit groups they settled in the industrial towns of Westphalia and the Rhineland. Until the First World War they were cared for by a few German priests who knew Polish. In the period between the two World Wars there were c. 1.5 million Poles in Germany. The Episcopal Representation (since 1930 Berlin Bishorpric) was in charge of Polish priesthood. Only those Polish priests who were German citizens could carry on their duties. Once Hitler came to power there hegan a period of intense persecution of everything that was Polish, including organized religious life which virtually disappeared in the war-time.

After the War, on June 5, 1945 Pope Pius XII appointed Bishop Józef Gawlina Ordinary for Poles in Germany. In that month Episcopal Curia for Poles in Germany was erected in Munich (transferred to Frankfort in September 1945). The Curia controls Polish religious activities in Germany. After the death of Archbishop Gawlina the Holy See handed over the powers of Polish Bishop in Germany to Vicar General Father Edward Lubowiecki.

At present, in the Federal Republic of Germany there are c. 80-100,000 Poles cared for by 39 Polish priests. Polish Church in Germany is organized in 5 decantes and 2 porvinces. One Polish religious order for men (Fathers of the Congregation of the Christian Doctrine) and two orders for women (Felician Sisters and Sister-Servants of Holy Heart of Mary) are active in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Apart from their religious duties Polish priests participate in the social and cultural life of German Poles.