Polish Catholic Religious Culture in the Post-Tridentine Era

Abstract

This article presents Catholic religious culture in Poland in post-Tridentine era. It takes into account one of the manifestations of change taking place at the time, namely a dynamic development of male and female religious orders. The article shows the connection between the intensification of religious life and the development of ascetic and mystical theology resulting from the general renewal of Catholic theology. The influence of the Jesuits on the spirituality of female orders as well as their role in introducing the practice of methodical mental prayer is highlighted. The impact of Spanish spirituality on Polish religious life after the Council of Trent is also emphasised, with special attention drawn to Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the Jesuits, Saint John of the Cross and the Discalced Carmelites, Saint Theresa of Ávila and her Discalced Carmelite nuns, Louis of Granada with the Dominicans, and Saint Peter of Alcántara, one of the founders of the Franciscan Friars of the Strict Observance. Polish Catholic religious literature of the post-Tridentine era is also reflected upon, including ascetic and mystical writings adopted from Italian and Spanish religious literature.