Mysticism – Conservatism – Emancipation. Lucjan Siemieński Reads St. Teresa of Ávila

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the question of how Lucjan Siemieński perceived St. Teresa of Ávila, a Spanish mystic, and her works. Siemieński’s interest in mysticism developed in the 1870s, i.e., in the last stage of his life, which the poet spent in Cracow. It reflects both his fascination with the European tradition, which, as a translator, he assimilated into the Polish culture since adolescence, and the conviction (shared with conservatives from Cracow) about the important role of the Catholic Church in history. Familiarizing the Polish reader with the life and work of the Spanish saint, Siemieński emphasizes the practical and intellectual aspects of her apostolic mission. In his essay, the gender of the protagonist in no way determines her social or religious position. The critic does not address the emancipatory dimension of her activities. By presenting her image to the readers and translating her poetry into Polish, he supports the tradition of Catholic literature and Catholicism, hoping that they will contribute to the revival of the nation.