The latest figures released by the Central Bureau of Statistics deserve careful consideration. They indicate a real demographic decline affecting the nation, a concern highlighted in a Lent letter by Archbishop Marek Jędraszewski of Kraków.
Beyond the call to embrace parenthood, the archbishop also stressed the importance of religious education in schools and the duty to safeguard the homeland.
Religion in school
In addressing these themes, the metropolitan recalled Jesus’ desert temptations to Satan: “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God,” “You shall not worship the Lord your God,” and “The Lord, your God, you shall worship and Him alone shall you serve” (Gospel of Matthew).
Reflecting on the first statement, he highlighted religion in schools as a pathway to open hearts to God and to others, fostering solidarity and a readiness to give to those in need.
When considering how a young person’s character forms, the role of religious education in schools is hard to overstate, according to the archbishop.
– said Archbishop Jędraszewski.
He emphasized that parents, grandparents, teachers, and the entire church community must do everything possible to strengthen children and youth in recognizing the importance of attending religious classes. He noted that such a duty is rooted in the marriage vows that acknowledge the intention to educate offspring with love and Catholicism.
The priest also called attention to voices that question the value of religious education in competition with other subjects. He recalled St. John Paul II’s 1991 remarks delivered in Włocławek:
“Catechesis is one of the essential forms of proclaiming the word of God, and therefore all Christians bear responsibility for it. This obligation corresponds to the right to educate children and youth according to the principles of their own religion.”
Demographic collapse
Recalling Jesus’ admonition not to tempt God, he spoke of parenthood as a divine blessing and duty. The fate of nations hinges on openness to parenthood and on fulfilling parental responsibilities, the archbishop noted.
The newest data from the Central Bureau of Statistics warrant thoughtful examination: they point to a genuine demographic decline striking the country. More than 800,000 deaths occurred in Poland over the past decade, and last year the birth rate dipped to just 305,000—slightly higher than the year before, yet still the lowest since World War II.
– wrote Archbishop Jędraszewski.
He argued that current demographic trends are shaped by how large families are portrayed in modern culture and media, often ridiculed or stigmatized, as well as by the message emphasizing self-realization, career, and living in the present. The archbishop contended that those who see their children as the greatest happiness and pride are seldom portrayed in contemporary discourse.
Judas silversmiths
He quoted Christ’s final desert words to Satan, again stressing the need to care for the homeland.
There have been times in the nation’s history when individuals, lured by power promised by enemies of Poland, betrayed the country. This pattern recurs in both the eighteenth century and more recent years. Today, too, the goods of the Commonwealth are threatened by the temptations for quick gains. The nation’s freedom, governance, and its 1,050-year-old Christian identity face serious risks.
– wrote Archbishop Jędraszewski.
He urged the faithful to join in prayer for the Fatherland, organized by the Kraków Archdiocese on the first Saturday and on the 14th of each month. These prayers began in December 2022 and are scheduled to continue through November 2023.
olk/PAP
Source: wPolityce