THE PASTORAL ASPECTS OF THE CALL TO SOBRIETY IN THE APPARITIONS OF THE MOTHER OF GOD IN GIETRZWAŁD IN 1877
Kazimierz Brzozowski
Abstract
Addiction is among the many illnesses that modern man suffers from. One of the most
extreme and dangerous addictions is alcoholism. A person suffering from alcoholism is unable
– using his own strength – to stop its destructive character, both in the psycho-physical and the spiritual
spheres. Many public institutions provide various forms of help, and among them the Church
certainly plays a significant role. The primary task of the Church is to bring all of its members to the
ultimate goal of eternal salvation. The apparitions at Gietrzwałd, which took place 140 years ago,
seem to confirm the care that the Mother of God has for the salvation of every human being, especially
one afflicted with the reality of drunkenness. She calls abusers of alcohol to conversion and
to break with such a life. The exhortation contained in the Gietrzwałd message imposes particular
tasks on the pastors of the shrine to care for those who are afflicted by any sort of addiction. The
shrine, because it was chosen by the Mother of God, is equipped with special pastoral tools to
undertake these tasks zealously. The effectiveness of fulfilling this sacred mission will certainly
depend on cooperation with the Heavenly Mother, and in terms of those combatting sinful ailments,
it will depend on the spiritual struggle, which must be accompanied by a child-like trust. After
all, Mary assured all her perpetual help with these words: “Do not be sad, because I will always be
with you”.
Keywords:
Maryja, różaniec, pijaństwo, alkoholizm, trzeźwośćReferences
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