Abstract

In his comprehensive analysis of the New Evangelization, Rev. Parzyszek presents the process of holiness that takes place in its work. Drawing on the extensive teaching of John Paul II, he gives a picture of the formation of a Christian’s spiritual attitude and the building of a civilisation of love, through the transformation of the ‘old man’ into the ‘new man’ and through the imitation of Jesus as a model. In this way, Rev. Parzyszek encourages people to reflect on their personal involvement in the work of the new evangelisation and, at the same time, to undertake personal sanctification of themselves and others. The author’s writings can be called a valuable compendium of knowledge for every Christian on the spiritual life that develops in the implementation of the work of the new evangelization. Therefore, all Christians involved in evangelisation find content for the development of their own holiness. This interrelation of the process of holiness and the process of the new evangelisation makes the Author’s analysis innovative and creative. It also constitutes a valuable novelty on the Polish market of theology of spirituality. Believers, when they realise holiness and know the truths of the Gospel, will be able to realise the new evangelisation. In realising it, they express their love for God and neighbour. In view thereof, the essence of holiness in the light of the new evangelisation can be defined as the development of God’s love, which continually deepens between Him and one’s neighbour, as it builds an ever deeper unity, leading to mystical union with Jesus, and at the same time triggering the desire to witness to His love with one’s words and actions. Therefore, the holiness of the Christian is not selfish, but is oriented towards the other. The qualities of human life such as love, mercy, peace, etc., through evangelisation, reach first the circle of our loved ones, then an ever larger circle of society, and finally the people of the whole world. Hence, the life of the Christian in the vocation pursued should be a witness to holiness and evangelisation.