Udział biskupów katowickich w rozwoju życia kulturalno-oświatowego na Górnym Śląsku w latach 1922-1939

Abstract

The creation of the Diocese of Katowice in 1925 can be considered as one of the elements of integration of the Silesian workers both at the ecclesial and socio-cultural level. A signifi cant contribution to the development of cultural and educational life was made by the bishops. First August Hlond, initially the Apostolic Administrator of Polish Silesia, then bishop of the Diocese of Katowice. He was followed by Bishop Arkadiusz Lisiecki, Bishop Stanislaw Adamski and Auxiliary Bishops, Theophilus Bromboszcz and Juliusz Bieniek. Each carried on a lively pastoral and organization work as well as a broad social and cultural activity often beyond the borders of the diocese. One of the main goals of their pastoral work in the interwar period was encouraging the participation of the laics in the Church. That consisted in encouraging the members of fraternities and associations to participate actively in parish life. Thus, the bishops’ duty was not only to lead the diocesan ecclesial community but also to ensure the spiritual, social, and intellectual development of the community.