Liturgical Homily according to Kazimierz Bieszk - a Pioneer of Polish Liturgical Movement

Abstract

Rev. Kazimierz Bieszk (1890–1946) is one of the most prominent promoters of liturgical renewal in Poland, especially in Pomerania. He looked with passion and faith at Church’s liturgical forms and contents and then shared his ideas in sermons, scientific articles published in “Misterium Christi” and “Pielgrzym” as well as in the classes given at the Priestly Seminary in Pelplin. The pillars of Father Bieszk’s activity were his love for the liturgy and understanding of its pastoral character and of the dogmatic basis of preaching of the Word of God. As a priest he was aware of the crucial role sermons, homilies and liturgically themed retreats have in the pastoral ministry whose goal is to form the faithful to participate in the liturgy consciously, actively and fruitfully. Moreover, the liturgy should be to for every preacher a point of reference if one wants to lead the people towards its better understanding. Rev. Kazimierz Bieszk’s efforts of liturgical formation, his personal competence, the usage the most up-to-date methods and creativity allowed the Diocese of Chelmno to educate many passionate RE teachers and cathechists. Finally, the liturgical renewal also led to better preaching.