Abstract

The main objective of this study is to determine the media image of dispensation and liturgy mediated during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. The paper is based on interdisciplinary methodology, which combines elements of practical theology (the see–judge–act paradigm) and a communication and media studies approach (media content analysis, critical discourse analysis). The time range of the analysed media discourse is between 12 and 18 March 2020, which was the first week after issuing government restrictions towards liturgy and the Church’s response to that: granting the dispensation and supporting the mediatisation of liturgy. The material for the discourse analysis includes online editions of 20 Polish press titles. It occurs that the general attitude of the media towards dispensation and liturgy mediated was positive, but some media tended to present the topics according to their editorial policies. The paper also formulates a theological reflection: although liturgy mediated as a permanent solution could be challenging to accept, it allowed worshippers to experience the liturgy in times of isolation. It is, therefore, an expression of the Church’s concern for the health and lives of the faithful, although not entirely in line with the official and long-standing position of the Church towards the mediatisation of the liturgy.

Highlights

  • The first case of the COVID-19 disease in Poland was officially announced on 4/03/2020.On 12/03/2020, the epidemic emergency was declared and no public, including religious, gathering of more than 50 people was allowed

  • On 20/03/2020, an epidemic was declared and—among numerous restrictions—the number of participants in religious services was limited to five. These restrictions led to many commentaries as faith/religion issues represent one of the most important topics in Poland: the country remains very religious and the most popular religion is Catholicism (Niedziela.pl/tk 2020)

  • The former is inspired by the paradigm of voir–juger–agir pastoral theology, developed by Cardijn in 1925 (Britannica 2013), accepted by John XXIII

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Summary

Introduction

On 12/03/2020, the epidemic emergency was declared and no public, including religious, gathering of more than 50 people was allowed. On 20/03/2020, an epidemic was declared and—among numerous restrictions—the number of participants in religious services was limited to five. These restrictions led to many commentaries as faith/religion issues represent one of the most important topics in Poland: the country remains very religious and the most popular religion is Catholicism (Niedziela.pl/tk 2020). ), so churches heal the soul, they are not to be closed” (DoRzeczy.pl 2020b). They identified ideas to close churches with “succumbing to state power”, “turning away from the faithful” and

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