Patriotyczno-wychowawcze i społeczne funkcje duszpasterstwa wojskowego

Abstract

In its history going back to the beginnings of Poland as a state, the tradition of military ministry is long and illustrious. The ministry had a tremendous impact on attitudes and conduct of soldiers on battlefields, and it fulfilled its psychotherapeutic and educational functions. Candidates for the pastoral service were confronted with strict demands. Only a chaplain who demonstrated given features of character, appropriate abilities and qualifications could achieve desirable educational goals, and with his own example could influence soldiers’ attitudes. The role of military ministry has frequently changed over the centuries, sometimes in a very fundamental way. It consisted in spiritual help and guidance, in animating courageous deeds, educating, teaching moral values, providing care for families of soldiers and charitable work. The article presents traditions of military ministry, its organisation and its formative role in shaping soldiers’ social and patriotic character.