La mistagogia nella riflessione teologica e letteraria alla luce di “Il Piccolo Principe” di Antoine de Saint- Exupéry

Jakub J. Woźniak

doi:10.26142/stgd-2025-003

Published: 2025-12-15

Vol. 56 (2025)

Mystagogy in theological and literary reflection in the light of “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Jakub J. Woźniak

Gdańsk Studies

Section: Artykuły

https://doi.org/10.26142/stgd-2025-003

Abstract

This article attempts a theological and symbolic interpretation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince” from the perspective of Christian mystagogy. The author demonstrates that this work, although not theological in nature, can be read as a contemporary form of spiritual initiation, leading one to discover the meaning of life, relationships, love, and hope. The analysis, based on symbolic hermeneutics and dialogue with Sacred Scripture, patristics, and Church documents, reveals four stages of the mystagogical journey present in the text: the simplicity of childhood, friendship as a path to truth, the experience of death as a paschal passage, and the pure gaze of the heart as a form of contemplation. In light of this work, “The Little Prince” appears as a spiritual guide for modern man, who, in a world dominated by technology and superficiality, reminds us of the need to return to inner simplicity, sensitivity, and spiritual depth. Reading the work of the French writer in a mystagogical key shows that literature can become a space for theological knowledge and dialogue between faith and culture, opening man to the mystery of God present in everyday life.

Keywords:

mystagogy, The Little Prince, symbol, spirituality, literary theology

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Woźniak, J. J. (2025). Mystagogy in theological and literary reflection in the light of “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Gdańsk Studies, 56, 32–44. https://doi.org/10.26142/stgd-2025-003

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Jakub J. Woźniak

jakub88w@gmail.com

Affiliation:

Instituto Teologico Leoniano aggregato alla Pontificia Facoltà Teologica Teresianum Italy

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

doctor of theological sciences, master of family sciences. A graduate of the Faculty of Theology of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń.

ORCID: 0000-0002-3994-619X

Mystagogy in theological and literary reflection in the light of “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Abstract

Keywords:

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