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Nasza Przeszłość

Vol. 103 (2005): Our Past

Articles

The policies of the Communist authorities towards the pilgrimage movement in the Sandomierz Diocese, 1945-1966

  • Bogdan Stanaszek
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52204/np.2005.103.287-320  [Google Scholar]
Published: 2005-06-30

Abstract

When the communists took power in Poland after World War II, they increased their efforts to stop and suppress traditional pilgrimages. According to the restrictive regulations of 1949, pilgrimages could not be organized without official permission. At that time, the most popular destinations were Jasna Góra (Częstochowa) and Kalwaria Zebrzydowska; pilgrims also visited a number of diocesan places, including: Sulisławice, Studzianna, Błotnica, Wysokie Koło, Skrzyńsko, Święta Krzyż and Wielka Woda. The events in the Sandomierz diocese reflected the situation throughout the country. The top priority was to eliminate groups of walking pilgrims from the roads. In the 1950s, this campaign was entirely won by the authorities. Following October 1956, there was a great revival of pilgrimages. In 1958, the authorities launched a series of repressions, which practically suppressed organized pilgrimages in the mid-1960s. However, this was not the end of the pilgrimages; many people continued to individually visit famous shrines to take part in holiday services and celebrations. Difficulties on the pilgrimage route were considered evidence of intolerance and hostility of the authorities towards the Church. This policy increased the mood of solidarity with the clergy and strengthened the Church.

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