Theological Reflection on Tourism and Leisure

Tourism is one of the most popular leisure activities. In this article we intend to point out a few elements that may constitute the founding blocks of a theology of leisure and a theology of tourism: a theology of time, a theology of freedom, a theology of creation, a theology of leisure, a theology of joy, a theology of the journey (homo viator, homo peregrinus). There are many points both in the Bible and in the teachings of the Church that leave room for the development of this notion. According to the Second Vatican Council, tourism is classified as one of the contemporary phenomena which can be described as one of the signs of time. The Council recommends individuals and groups to study them carefully and incorporate them in the general context of pastoral work.Tourism is one of the most popular leisure activities. In this article we intend to point out a few elements that may constitute the founding blocks of a theology of leisure and a theology of tourism: a theology of time, a theology of freedom, a theology of creation, a theology of leisure, a theology of joy, a theology of the journey (homo viator, homo peregrinus). There are many points both in the Bible and in the teachings of the Church that leave room for the development of this notion. According to the Second Vatican Council, tourism is classified as one of the contemporary phenomena which can be described as one of the signs of time. The Council recommends individuals and groups to study them carefully and incorporate them in the general context of pastoral work

Das christliche Leben als ein Weg – Elemente der Wallfahrtstheologie

The Author presents some Biblical texts on symbolic meaning of a way. In theological meaning a way is a symbol of moving forward, developing, growing in the Christian faith, hope, love and wisdom. Progress in the development of sainthood of a person is of a great significance. In this context, the author refers to pilgrimage which is a symbol of the entire Christian life being approaching God. It covers many religious practices, which help to renew the Christian life, develop faith and love

Die Freizeittheologie mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Ruhetheologie

The author performs an analysis of „theological places” („loci theologici”), as the basis on which leisure theology can be developed. These are: time theology (a linear concept of time, which means that time is a gift to man, if properly used), freedom theology (freedom not as a discharge from obligations but as the possibility to do good), new creation theology (renewal made by the redemptive work of Christ), joy theology (joy of gifts of nature, community with other person, being granted God’s grace), feast theology (time given to a man in order that he could turn to supernatural matters). The author develops ‘rest theology’ extensively as one of the fundamental forms of spending free time. He searches for sources in numerous biblical texts, where this term has been used. Furthermore, he interprets, among others, how to understand God’s rest after he created the world, and how his repose becomes an example to follow for a human being. Moreover, the author explains what the final repose is to be for a person, and how man, living on earth, anticipates an eschatological rest

Pomiędzy sacrum a profanum - o turystyce w sakralnych obiektach

The author describes the theological significance of sacred sites whose primary function is as a cult, not a cultural site. He stresses the educational role of tourism as regards culture and religion while a tourism organisers’ task can be to help discover the sacrum and teach respect for it. The author is opposed to the reduction of tourism to simply sightseeing.Autor opisuje teologiczny sens istnienia sakralnych budowli, których pierwszym przeznaczeniem jest kult, l,le tylko bycie obiektem kultury. Podkreśla wychowawczą rolę turystyki w obszarze kultury i religii. Zadaniem animatorów turystyki jest pomoc w odkrywaniu sacrum i rozbudzanie szacunku do sacrum. Autor sprzeciwia się ograniczaniu turystyki roli produktu

Młodzież w oczach papieży na podstawie przemówień podczas Światowych Dni Młodzieży

The author analyses and comments on speeches given by the popes: John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis during thirteen celebrations of World Youth Days. Because of a great number of these he focuses mainly on the ones given during central events. The author aims to answer the question about the condition of the youth of today presented by the popes. Although there is no direct description of the situation of modern youth it can be concluded indirectly on the basis of discussed issues what phenomena among young people raise hope and which cause concern. In most cases tone of papal speeches is positive. Popes see good features in the youth what gives hope and they very rarely speak about negative aspects of lives of the young. A positive call is a response to a negative influence to which the current young generation is exposed. The popes put emphasis on the necessity of establishing close relationship with Christ by the youth and arousing within them faith having a nature of personal encounter with God. They want to realise young people the whole truth about human in the light of the Gospel, draw attention to proper understanding of freedom, explain the importance of the Church and relation a Christian to the Church. Finally, they stress dynamism and enthusiasm of the youth, encourage them to take responsibility for the evangelising mission and apostleship.Autor analizuje i komentuje treść przemówień papieży Jana Pawła II, Benedykta XVI i Franciszka wygłoszonych podczas trzynastu Światowych Dni Młodzieży. Ze względu na dużą liczbę papieskich wystąpień skupia się na przemówieniach podczas szczytowych spotkań. Autor chce odpowiedzieć na pytanie, jaki obraz współczesnej młodzieży przedstawiają w swych wystąpieniach papieże. W przemówieniach nie ma wprost opisu sytuacji młodzieży. Natomiast na podstawie poruszanej tematyki można pośrednio zorientować się, jakie zjawiska wśród młodzieży budzą nadzieję, a jakie niepokój. Ton papieskich wypowiedzi jest w większości wypadków pozytywny. Papieże widzą w młodzieży wiele dobrych cech, co budzi wielką nadzieję. Podkreślają konieczność nawiązywania przez młodych bliskich relacji z Chrystusem, budzenia wiary, która ma charakter osobistego spotkania z Bogiem. W świetle Ewangelii chcą uświadomić młodym pełną prawdę o człowieku, zwracają uwagę na sprawę prawidłowego rozumienia wolności, tłumaczą znaczenie Kościoła i relację chrześcijanina do Kościoła. Wreszcie akcentują dynamizm i entuzjazm młodzieży, zachęcają młodzież do podejmowania odpowiedzialności za misję ewangelizacyjną i apostolstwo

Theologie der heiligen Pilgerstätten – biblische und pastorale Aspekte

The article focuses on aspects of theology of shrines, which are destinations of Christian pilgrimages. The author bases on biblical texts, particularly on these concerning the Promised Land and the Holy City of Jerusalem with its temple, further on documents of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants. Each earthly shrine is an expression of God’s love for a human. On the one hand, God's initiative is to create a convenient place for His encounter with a man, on the other hand, a human himself searches for such a place. A shrine is a venue, where a man “has rest in God”, enters into a community with Him. Simultaneously, it anticipates future communion with God in the eternity – “eternal rest in God” after efforts of the earthly pilgrimage. It is there, where a human being will achieve complete happiness and joy. Like in the past, the Promised Land and the temple in Jerusalem were places for creating unity and identity for Israelites, nowadays shrines are means of creating and enhancing Church community, which embraces comers from all over the world. The article emphasis the fact that present shrines are not only places of intensive prayers, great liturgical celebrations, but also centres where people offer their spiritual sacrifices, do penance, further where sinners convert to God and each pilgrim renews spiritually.Der Artikel konzentriert sich auf ausgewählte Aspekte der Theologie der Sanktuarien, der Orte, die Ziel christlicher Pilgerfahrten sind. Der Autor stützt sich auf biblische Texte, besonders betreffend das Gelobte Land und die Heilige Stadt Jerusalem mit seinem Tempel, sowie Dokumente des Päpstlichen Rates für die Seelsorge der Migranten und Menschen unterwegs. Jedes irdische Sanktuarium drückt an erster Stelle die Liebe Gottes an den Menschen aus. Gott schafft mit seiner Initiative einen günstigen Platz für ein näheres Treffen mit dem Menschen. Auf der anderen Seite sucht der Mensch selbst einen solchen Platz. Das Sanktuarium ist ein Ort, in dem der Mensch „in Gott ruht” - kommt mit ihm in eine nahe Gemeinschaft. Gleichzeitig kündigt es die künftige Vereinigung mit Gott in Ewigkeit an – „ewige Ruhe in Gott ” nach den Strapazen der irdischen Pilgerfahrt. Dort wird der Mensch die Fülle der Freude und das Glück erreichen. So wie das Gelobte Land und der Tempel von Jerusalem für die Israeliten das Zentrum der Schaffung der Einheit und der Identität des auserwählten Volkes waren, so sind heute Sanktuarien das Werkzeug der Erschaffung und Befestigung der Gemeinschaft der Kirche, an der sich Ankömmlinge aus allen Himmelsrichtungen drängen. Der Artikel unterstreicht, dass die heutigen Sanktuarien nicht nur Orte intensiven Gebets sind, der Blütezeit der Liturgie, sondern auch Zentren der Darbringung von geistigen Opfern, Buße und Bekehrung der Sünder, sowie geistiger Erneuerung eines jeden Pilgers

Teologia pielgrzymowania – wybrane aspekty biblijne i pastoralne

Theology of pilgrimage – selected biblical and pastoral aspectsThe author develops theology of pilgrimage on the base of selected scriptures of the Old and New Testament. He refers especially to the way of Abraham, Exodus of Israel from Egypt and excerpts of the Epistles of Apostle Paul. Biblical stories are prophetic announcements of Church which is described as the faithful on the pilgrimage. Moreover, the stories are symbol of a journey of each human being to the encounter with God in the eternity. The author formulates practical conclusions for the pilgrimage ministry and for pilgrims themselves. He begins the analysis with the description of the moment of taking up the journey when after time filled with restlessness the pilgrim makes decision on the future ( entrusting to God, stating purposes, strengthening religious motivations of the pilgrimage, surrendering to the providence of God ). In the next stage, he discusses journey alone, which is time of the trial and strengthening the pilgrim. The pilgrimage is not only about reaching destination, getting from the pilgrim’s home to the shrine, but about a spiritual journey of conversion, renewal, deepening faith and approaching God. Duration of the pilgrimage is measured not only by time in literal meaning ( chronos ), but by time of fulfillment of plans of God (kairos

Life Threatening Complication during Treatment of Erysipelas due to Undiagnosed Ischemia of the Calf

Erysipelas is a superficial skin infection due to streptococci strains, which usually responds well to conservative treatment. Coexisting undiagnosed ischemia of the extremity may lead to severe complications. 57-year-old man developed large, circumflex ulceration of his right calf within two weeks before the admission after three-month treatment of erysipelas. Computer angiography showed chronic occlusion of the superficial femoral artery and the above knee popliteal artery. Rapid debridement of the wound took control over the infection. Patient required complex vascular procedure which allowed to prepare the ulcer for meshed skin grafts. Patient was discharged home on 64th hospital day with completely healed ulcer

Dialog religijny w turystyce

Tourism is a global fact. People are crossing geographical and cultural distances. Catholics regularly meet Christians from different denominations as well as members of other religions and worldviews. It is therefore necessary to prepare tourists for a dialogue with representatives of these other worldviews in order to help the tourists’ personal faith understanding and maybe even deepen it.The author introduces the fundamental principles, objectives, and conditions for a dialogue among tourists. He discusses also various types of religious dialogue: within the tourists’ own religious community, the ecumenical dialogue between members of different Christian denominations, philosophical dialogues with non-believers and finally dialogue between members of different religions.The author proceeds by describing specific situations related to tourism which gives an opportunity for different forms of dialogue. Sometimes, however, there are also some dangers which should be avoided by Catholics.Tourism is a global fact. People are crossing geographical and cultural distances. Catholics regularly meet Christians from different denominations as well as members of other religions and worldviews. It is therefore necessary to prepare tourists for a dialogue with representatives of these other worldviews in order to help the tourists’ personal faith understanding and maybe even deepen it.The author introduces the fundamental principles, objectives, and conditions for a dialogue among tourists. He discusses also various types of religious dialogue: within the tourists’ own religious community, the ecumenical dialogue between members of different Christian denominations, philosophical dialogues with non-believers and finally dialogue between members of different religions.The author proceeds by describing specific situations related to tourism which gives an opportunity for different forms of dialogue. Sometimes, however, there are also some dangers which should be avoided by Catholics

Refleksja pastoralnoteologiczna nad dokumentem Stolicy Apostolskiej „Przyjęcie Chrystusa w uchodźcach i przymusowo przesiedlonych”

The author analyses and provides commentary on relatively unknown document issued by the Holy See “Welcoming Christ in Refugees and Forcibly Displaced Persons”. He focuses solely on theological aspects leaving out the others and indicates the necessity of distinguishing forcibly displaced persons and refugees from migrants of other categories, for instance economic migrants. The author shows Biblical texts and these elements of Catholic social teaching, which have been recalled by the editors of the document and which call to welcome and take care of refugees and forcibly displaced persons. Among them, teaching on human dignity of each human person, unity of entire human family, imitating God’s love for each human person, and finally, Christian hospitality is the most important. Further, the most significant evangelical reason for welcoming strangers is recognizing Christ alone in them. Thus, bringing to life this, what is implied by all these reasons deeply rooted in the faith is its practical verification. In commentaries on passages of the document the author refers to characteristic contemporary situations of welcoming migrants interpreting them in the light of the theology. In conclusion, he formulates some pastoral recommendations for the Catholic Church.Autor analizuje i komentuje mało znany dokument wydany przez Stolicę Apostolska. Skupia się na teologicznych wątkach zawartych w dokumencie, pomijając inne kwestie w nim zawarte. Zwraca uwagę na konieczność odróżnienia migrantów przymusowo wysiedlonych i uchodźców od innych kategorii, np. migrantów ekonomicznych. Wskazuje na teksty biblijne i te elementy społecznej nauki Kościoła, na które powołują się redaktorzy dokumentu, wzywając do przyjmowania i otoczenia troską uchodźców oraz przymusowo przesiedlonych. Wśród nich na pierwsze miejsce wysuwa się nauczanie o godności każdej ludzkiej osoby, o jedności całej ludzkiej rodziny, o naśladowaniu miłości Boga do każdego człowieka, o chrześcijańskiej gościnności. Najistotniejszym ewangelicznym motywem przyjmowania obcych jest rozpoznanie w nich osoby samego Chrystusa. Motywy te znajdują zatem najgłębsze uzasadnienie w wierze i są jej praktyczną weryfikacją. W komentarzach do fragmentów dokumentu autor odnosi się do charakterystycznych współczesnych sytuacji związanych z przyjmowaniem migrantów, odczytując je w teologicznym świetle, a w konkluzji formułuje kilka pastoralnych wskazań dla Kościoła