Abstract

Primate of Poland, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński kept a personal diary Pro memoria for nearly 32 years. At that time, Bydgoszcz was part of the Archdiocese of Gniezno and its largest city. The article focuses on Wyszyński’s notes concerning his visits to Bydgoszcz. His recollections include various types of visits: pastoral visitations, administration of Confirmation, celebrations and anniversaries as well as numerous meetings with the clergy and laity. The source material has been divided into three thematic groups, taking into account the number of notes, repetition of some information or brief entries. The first group of notes refers to the Primate’s visit to Bydgoszcz on his way to his ingress to the cathedral in Gniezno. The second, the most numerous group, concerns his pastoral ministry in Bydgoszcz. The third one comprises his accurate and methodical notes about the foundation of pastoral centres and constructions of churches in Bydgoszcz.