Published: 2005-12-30

Activities of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Christ the King for Polish Immigrants in the United States and Canada

Jolanta Lewandowska
Seminare. Learned Investigations
Section: History
https://doi.org/10.21852/sem.2005.21.06

Abstract

The author of this article has discussed the scope and effects of the activity of nuns missionaries named in USA and Canada shown. The source, which could be found in the archives in Morask, was very helpful to the author. About it In addition, in 1998-2000 the author conducted a survey in all foreign institutions where the mentioned order had its seat. In this way, she managed to gather the information needed to describe this young congregation. This information was very helpful to the authors in their work. The task of this congregation was the work for Poles Abroad. This applies to both the recent wave of emigration and also the next generations of exiles from the 19th and 20th centuries. The working character of Poles abroad is very specific and different from what you see in parishes back home. As well as the priest as well as the nun must take care of the parish community and their frequent contacts endeavor with the church. Therefore, in this regard, the aim is to establish such organizations. It must be emphasized that the end of the service is not the end of that Festival or other events, but it is a good opportunity to present younger talents. People of Polish origin can also meet and talk with others to lead. The first country where the missionaries showed their activity was in the United States states. In 1977 the nuns received an invitation to Los Angeles and arrived there on July 25, 1978. Her duties were: care for the church and sacristy, the catechization of children and young people, cooking in the old people's house "Szarotka" and in the rectory, control over the preparation of breakfast or lunch in the parish hall (am Sunday), the representation in the parish office and the culturally oriented lessons in "Szarotka", the Nursing care in their homes and hospitals. In addition, take the religious sister actively participates in various markets, e.g. "Kaziuk" every year. They also mobilize others People from the parish to help (with baking, sewing and setting up the purchase stands). This emphasizes the existence of the Polish parish. The profits are for determines the future function of this position. On the occasion of national holidays and the anniversaries of Rebellions are organized by nuns and other, culturally speaking, events. Most Poles go at Christmas, at Easter and on the occasion of the Queen of Poland festival Poland Abroad (on May 2nd) and on the occasion of the resolution of the Polish Constitution of May 3rd 1792 to the church The children and some adults come in national costume to show their loyalty to the tradition in which they were brought up. The next posts where they their had to fulfill similar tasks were:
a) from April 2, 1980 – “Our Lady of Czestochowa” Parish in Detroit.
b) 3 posts in Chicago: the first – from September 1, 1989 in the Polish Trinity Mission
, the second – in Ferdinandkirche (from September 1995) , the third – in Jakobskirche (from
September 1998)
c) from September 1992 the nuns took over the management of a post in San Jose
d) September 1999 - Arizona, Phoenix
e) Canada - the entity "Oshawa" from April 7, 1992

The effects of these actions were: the revitalization of the parish, the foundation of the religious and cultural organizations, encouraging people of different ages to the most common Contact with the parish, the constant care of the sick and their support, emphasizing Polish accents, e.g. the culture, history and tradition, during most festivals The renewal of the Polish sense of identity was also very important. The activity of Poles abroad is reflected in parish registers. You can see that the number of believers who take up the sacraments is increasing more and more. That announces probably the other development of such bodies and testifies to the necessity of their existence.

Keywords:

American Polonia, Canadian Polonia, Polish community activities, Missionary Sisters Christ the King for Polish Foreigners

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Citation rules

Lewandowska, J. (2005). Activities of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Christ the King for Polish Immigrants in the United States and Canada. Seminare. Learned Investigations, 21, 75–86. https://doi.org/10.21852/sem.2005.21.06

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