THE HEAD OF THE POLISH BISHOPS PRAISED PATRIOTISM AND CONDEMNED NATIONALISM

Archbishop Stanislav Gondetskii emphasized on the danger of nationalism and on positive influence of patriotism. It is reported by Upmp.news with reference to Polish Radio.

Archbishop Stanislav Gondetskii, the leader of the Polish Episcopate, praised patriotism and drew attention to the danger of nationalism. In a sermon titled “Nationalism and Patriotism,” the Polish priest showed the difference between these views and reminded us of the Catholic perspective of thinking.

The head of the Polish Bishopric called the four types of nationalism: integral, Christian, secular, neopagan and chauvinism, that is, the extreme form of nationalism. He noted that their general sign is the conviction that “the people are the greatest good.”

At the same time, love for the homeland can not be the greatest value for a believer. “The Catholic Church critically perceives nationalism, because placing people in the basis of the hierarchy of values can lead to certain idolatry,” said Archbishop Stanislav Gondetskii.

The head of the Polish bishops praised patriotism and called for his development.

“The Christian is deeply involved in the lives of individual peoples and is the manifestation of the Gospel, in faithfulness to his homeland, his people, national culture, but always in the freedom, which Christ brought us without the feeling of hostility to other nations,” wrote the archbishop.

The head of the Polish Episcopate believes that in a new generation of Polish nationalist circles who support the ideas of pre-war national democracy, one can find people with nationalistic views who associate themselves with the message: “Poland is (only) for the Poles”. We can also find people with simple patriotic looks there. Therefore, Archbishop Stanislav Gondetskii believes that a formation is needed.

The head of the Episcopate of Poland recalled that during recent years, the bishops have published two documents on contemporary challenges of patriotism. Last year, a document entitled “The Christian Form of Patriotism” was published. In this document Polish priests noted that in the situation of a major political dispute that divides Poland, the patriotic duty is to realize social reconciliation through reminding of the dignity of each person, to alleviate excessive political emotions, expanding the sphere of cooperation beyond divisions and protecting public life from “unnecessary politicization”.

Archbishop Stanislav Gonditsky wished all Poles at home and abroad, “that the hundredth anniversary of the return of Poland to independence would strengthened love for the homeland in the spirit of true patriotism.”