Duchowni katoliccy ze Śląska w pierwszej wojnie światowej

Abstract

The First World War was analyzed and described in their diaries mainly by politicians, various rank soldiers, medical officers and male nurses, writers, news correspondents, civilians who were watching closely the war theatre, as well as theology students and military chaplains. We are however interested in testimonies of clergymen who became priests of the Katowice diocese after the end of 1914–1918 war campaign. They succeeded to live „in memory” because of tracks of their presence in the war in archive records or remaining press publications. The following individuals in this circle deserve special attention: Teofil Aleksander Bromboszcz, Józef Feliks Gawlina and Karol Milik. There were 85 military chaplains involved in the First World War on the Prussian side from the area of the Wrocław diocese and 24 military chaplains from area of the General Wicarage in Cieszyn. In total there were 63 future priests of the Katowice diocese among them. Among soldiers chaplains could feel at home. Soldiers appreciated their high moral values and good manners.