HUMILITY IN MONASTIC SPIRITUALITY BASED ON ARCHBISHOP ZYGMUNT SZCZĘSNY FELIŃSKI’S WRITINGS

Abstract

The article examines the importance of humility in religious spirituality drawing on the teachings of Archbishop Zygmunt Szczęsny Felinski. He sees humility as the bedrock of spiritual life and a key virtue that allows for the growth of perfection in religious practice. The article discusses the main aspects of humility, such as: i) theessence of humility: humility is the understanding of oneself as a created, sinful being whose goodness is owed to God’s grace. Humility forms the foundation of other virtues and is not merely the result of human effort but a gift from God. It is a virtue that encourages complete surrender to God; ii) acquiring humility: according to the teachings of the Archbishop, humility should be practised in everyday life through patience, diligence, and simplicity. He also emphasizes the need to acknowledge one’s sinfulness and inability to achieve good without God’s help. Humility develops through the practice the ability to endure humiliations; iii) the practice of humility: it manifests in various dimensions: towards God, others, and oneself. Szczesny Felinski emphasizes that in religious life, humility towards God is expressed in prayer, accepting God’s will, and participating in the sacraments. Humility towards others involves forgiveness, asking for forgiveness, and serving others without self-exaltation. The humility towards oneself is the recognition of one’s sinfulness and limitations; iv) external humility: Felinski recommends that humility should also be visible in external life, such as in the simplicity of living, clothing, behaviour, and attitude towards authority. Humility is considered a virtue that rules over all the faculties of a person: the mind, heart, and will. It helps a person fulfil God’s will, to overcome pride and to draw closer to God.