Between this World and the Hereafter: a Ritual of Transition

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Rola Matki Boskiej w świetle nauk o rzeczach ostatecznych Jacka Liberiusza

In this paper I present Jacek Liberiusz’s sermons and his preaching about the last things (death, last judgment, heaven, hell and purgatory) and the cult of St. Mary. I juxtapose them with the Jean Delumeau’s thesis about the common fear caused by wars, plagues and church’s teaching. Tremendal elements can hardly be found in Liberiusz sermon’s. On the contrary – worldly atrocities or God’s wrath are being mitigated by the infinite mercy and goodness of Virgin Mary. She seems to be the central figure of the cult, even more important than Jesus himself which is characteristic for 17th century polish piety. Sermons by Liberiusz may be an example of more complex and diversed reactions to surrounding cruelty. These atrocities were not necessary replicated in religion, but also in the contact with God people looked for a consolation