Chapter 2
In: Politics and the Media in Poland from the 19th to the 21st Centuries
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Abstract
Cognitive value and scientific object: Polish Catholic magazine Gość Niedzielny established and published in Upper Silesia in the years 1923–1939 is an important and rich source of historical knowledge about the Church and society. The aim of this article is to present the essential programme tasks the weekly from the moment it was established until May Coup in 1926. These tasks were shaped under the influence of challenges faced by the Catholic Church in Upper Silesia after its part was incorporated into the Polish state in 1922 and the diocese of Katowice was established there. They were consistent with the aspirations of the ecclesiastical environment in Poland, who tried to counteract the threat of secularisation of culture and social life. In that period, the liberal and socialist currents fought with the Catholic Church. Both, although different, were united by the fact that they saw in the teaching of the Church and its social position a factor that impeded the penetration of society with their ideas. They became de facto allies in attacking the Church. People and organisations devoted to them tried in various ways to undermine its authority. That is why it became an urgent task for the Catholic press to raise awareness and activate broad masses of the laity to defend the Christian values of the social life.
Research methods: The Author used an analysis of the literary criticism and the content of the press.
Results and conclusions: The research was based on issues of the weekly magazine Gość Niedzielny from the period 1923–1939. The article helps to learn about the situation of Catholic people in the interwar period. Catholic periodicals fulfilled important pastoral and formation functions.