The ministration among Polish immigrants in Denmark (1893-1978)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the capital work of many Catholic priestes of various nationalities, who tried to organize the centres of ministry for Polish season workers coming to Denmark. Right from the beginning the ministry was confronted with many problems: the specific character of Polish religiosity, psychological and cultural differences between Poles and Danes, and finally the position of Catholics in Denmark who constitute approx. 0,5% - 1% of the whole population.

The first 57 years of ministry were conducted practically without Polish priests, those who were there were leaving after shorter or longer periods.

The ministration in Denmark can be divided in 3 periods.

I. 1893-1925 a very dynamic period characterized of mass immigration of Polish workers to Denmark, changing from temporary to permanent. The economic, social, religious and linguistic problems had stigmatized not only Poles but also Danes having contacts with them.

II. 1925-1950 the period of stagnation. The new generation of Poles already born in Denmark was quickly assimilated, including religion. The older generation was automatically embodied into Danish ministration, and the priests of diverse nationalities were not aware of specific spiritual and religious needs of Polish immigration.

III. 1950-1978 the restoration of Polish ministration. First the end of 60^s and the beginning of 70^s were witnessing the vigorous reemergence of some centres particularly in Copenhagen, Aarhus and Odense.

The pioneer of the postwar ministration is pt. J. Szymaszek, the Rector of the Polish Cathlic Mission in Denmark. He was joined by other 9 Polish priests who are active in 7 centres of Polish ministration and are also gradually integrated in the Danish ministration.