Stereotyp kapłana wpisany w XVII-wieczne kazania pogrzebowe

Abstract

17th century funeral sermons, a set of approximately 600 texts, structured following the antic rhetoric principles, modified in modern times, are a genre of panegyric literature, praising the deceased. Among preserved prints, sermons prepared on the occasion of funerals of the clergy constitute a large collection. Their structure, although basically convergent with the principles of laudation applicable to that type of expression, shows certain differences on the level of the degree of a realisation of its individual elements. The element which depicts the time preceding the birth of the clergyman and arguments referring to his lineage are eliminated or significantly reduced. On the other hand, emphasis is put on all aspects which show the piety of the deceased priest, his merits for the Church, relationship towards the faithful under his care. The image of the clergy presented in the sermons is poorly individualised, in fact, it could even be referred to as a stereotypical one.