Abp. Wielgus resigns
The Vatican, Polish press, and MSNBC are all reporting on the resignation of Abp. Stanisław Wielgus. He was to take possession of the Metropolitan See of Warsaw at 11am today (local time).
From the BBC: Warsaw archbishop ‘right to quit’
we were discussing how the US government and the FBI kept close watch over the PNCC thinking that the Church had intentions of helping out communists early on. Bishop Mikovsky said you can read the FBI information about the PNCC as it has been declassified. interesting stuff.
Adam,
Is that info published on the internet? If yes,
Could you post the link?
As I understand it, many ‘ethnic’ organizations in the U.S. were put upon by the Roosevelt and Truman Administrations toward the end of WW II. They were being ‘tested’ for their level of loyalty to the U.S.
Those Administrations did not want crazy ethnics (and at that time almost to the man, loyal Democrats and trade unionists) up in arms because they sold Poland et.al. to Stalin. Roosevelt and Truman in particular led ethics along in order to keep them loyal and Democrat. Something that failed once the reality of betrayal hit home.
These organizations, if they spoke-up, could be labeled as communist sympathizers, anti-American, and disloyal. As I recall, some leaders in the Polish American Congress and other organizations were targeted and misled using various means.
The PNCC mission to Poland through Bishop Padewski, was meant to rebuild Poland and the Church in Poland. The famous Fr. Justin Figas, a Franciscan who started the Father Justin Rosary Hour rallied support for the R.C. Church in Poland as well, via his nationally syndicated radio program.
I would imagine that the R.C. Church’s stand toward communism was clearer for the government, while the PNCC stand was less so. If they had bothered to look it would have been apparent that the PNCC was about faith in God and the good of the Fatherland (the U.S. and Poland). It was readily apparent that Uncle Joe Stalin didn’t have those interests at heart.
It should also be remembered that the PNA’s and PNCC were early supporters of trade unions in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Some, especially among the rich and powerful, saw any such support as Communist/Socialist infiltration.
Rafal, I am not aware of an interenet site containinng the documents. I will have to ask Bishop Mikovsky where to find them.
Adam,
Thank you for asking Bishop Mikovsky for that whenever you have time.
Deacon,
Are there any books about early history of PNCC. I have the book “Origins and Growth of Polish National Catholic Church” but are there any others? Do you know of any titles in Polish? Also where can I find a hymnals of PNCC in English and Polish?
Thank you,
Rafal
Rafal, you can contact the National Church Center for their book list. I really wish our national website had a link for books for sale, but we don’t. As far a history books are concerned, there are a few books we use in seminary for PNCC history. The one you have and The Polish National Catholic Church in the united States of America From 1897 to 1980 (author: Heironim Kubiak) and The Polish National Catholic Church (author: Paul Fox). The Old Catholic Movement by C.B. Moss is not PNCC specific but is a great resource for understanding the Old Catholic movement from which the PNCC has roots. Hope that helps.