Theology - Faith - Mystagogy

Associate professor at the Faculty of Theology Rev. Mieczysław Polak conducts classes and research in the field of pastoral theology.

The Second Vatican Council attempted to fill the gap between theology and pastoral care, between faith and life. In some ways it revolutionized the status of theology, it has change to some extent the way the believer works and thinks.

Does the mystagogical pastoral care have anything to do with linking faith to Christians’ daily life?

My research on mystagogy in the pastoral care of the Church has shown a clear connection of this phenomenon with both faith and life. It is certainly necessary to renew the life of the ecclesiastical religious communities according to the paradigm of mystagogy.

And what is mystagogy?

Putting it briefly: it is Christian initiation. It is leading people to Christ through teaching based on the Scripture and Church Fathers’ writings. It is explaining the meaning of the sacraments to an adult believer.

So, does university theology have a real impact on the life of communities and believers?

Pastoral theology derives the principles and criteria for the pastoral action from the history of the Church. The evangelical discernment of the socio-cultural and ecclesial situation has a special place in the pastoral theology. Keeping an eye on the world’s current problems helps to decide which particular pastoral actions need to be taken.

What, then, is mystagogy’s place in the life of the Church?

Mystagogy introduces us to the experience of faith, helps to discover a deeper dimension of human life. It combines the mysticism of God with the mysticism of everyday life. Mystagogy helps to experience God in our daily routine.