Primate Wyszyński - a Defender of Religious Orders against Presecutions by State Authorities in the Polish People's Republic

Abstract

After World War II the Communist system hostile towards religion and the Church was installed in Poland. The anti-Church policy implemented by the government meant among other things struggle against religious orders with the aim of a complete elimination of religious life in Poland. For this purpose a wide range of administrative, legal and economic methods were used. There were attempts to deprive religious orders of the opportunities to carry out their charisms and to convince the society of the usefulness of religious life. Primate Wyszyński, as head of the Church in Poland committed himself to the defense of religious orders against the malicious and hostile policy of the government. His activity aimed at ensuring religious orders with at least a minimum space needed to live and to realize their charisms. His concern for the future of religious orders was present both in documents regarding the state - Church relations dispatched from the Primate's office and in his personal meetings with representatives of the highest authorities in the country. In addition, Cardinal Wyszyński took action towards improvement of spiritual life in religious congregations and consolidation of all religious orders in Poland. Primate Wyszyński's extensive activity as well as his great authority enabled religious life to survive the time of persecution in the People's Republic of Poland and to weather the struggle strengthened.