Conception of the Polish Priesthood of the Resurrectioners Priests in North America

Abstract

In the first period of time (from 1866 to 1914) 32 parishes were organized by Resurrectioners. 14 parishes were in Chicago, 6 of them near its way, other 2 in Michigan State and 6 in Texas. They also ministered to 16 other parishes for the Polish colony in USA and Peru. In the course of time most of the parishes were submitted to laymen priesthood control. The rest, i. e. 6 of Chicago were still led by the Resurrectioners. During the interwar time 5 other parishes were added and a separate Chicago provincial with its own noviciate established as well as a theological seminary and a Missionary Association. A few beautiful temples and many subridiary buildings were built.

The last period which has begun with the end of the second world war started withedepolonization, which was the consequence of the lack of relations with country. During that time many resurrection missions came into existence. Two very big and modem technical schools were established in Chicago and El Cajon, California. The Neuman’s secondary school in Fontana, California has already been existing for eleven years and the St. Francis theological seminary in El Cajon for five years. They have also founded in Chicago secondary schools for girls.

Moreover, they established 9 parisher (not for Polish colony) in different states and there were 14 others but only for some time. Two others were for Canadians of the Polish origin in Ontario State. The Polish Provincial has lately sent priests to the Resurrection’s parishes of the Polish colony in USA Canada.

The Venerable Teodor-Bogdan Jahski’s ideas were the leading ones for the polish priesthood abroad. He demanded emigrants to devote themselves to priesthood and to establish parishes after the first Jerusalem Christian, community according to the latest necessaries of life such as religious, intellectual, cultural and living needs. That is the reason that the first Resurrectioners established also primary, secondary and technical schools, published magazines, founded church, patriotical, social, political and artistical associations. Parishes had theirs own theatres, cinemas, printing-houses, schools, hospitals, orphanages, houses for the aged, nursery schools, houses for nuns and priest. Unfortunately they failed in achieving one of their prime aim i. e. a polish University in Chicago, and that caused quicker depo- lonization in the 3rd period. Disappearance of the polish parishes in Chicago has been caused by americanization and affluence of the poor Negro-Spanish. Therefore, it has been essential now to put the above mentioned Ressurection parishes with accordance to these new elements.