Sanctifying power of a prayer in the priest’s life according to "Works of Bl Michał Kozal"

Abstract

The article’s content structure was developed in the light of Works of BL Michał Kozal, the Bishop from the first volume, titled formation’s teachings and speeches to alumni, edited by Theological Academic Society of Seminary in Włocławek. It was published on the 100 th anniversary of the blessed bishop’s holy orders. A reading of his teaching dedicated to the prayer, that was included in the mentioned work, inspired the article’s author to develop such an important issue as the sanctifying power of a prayer in a priest’s clerical life. BL Michał Kozal while forming candidates for priests, appreciated a great role of prayers in it and he applied himself to a devout prayer. Experiencing the power of its supernatural influence, he was convinced about its sanctifying nature. This awareness accompanied him from the beginning of his priestly life, what influenced not only his clerical life but also a spiritual formation that was being undertaken through the candidates for priests.

The analysis of contents elements of the conferences on a prayer helps to develop the structure of this article. The studies, that were carried out, shows Rev. Michał Kozal emphasised the need of a prayer in a priestly life and its specific nature that causes the holiness of priestly life. These three elements are the contents of this article.

The reflection which was made on an issue determined by the title of the article lets conclude clearly that the priestly life without any prayers is impossible to realise. So, a prayer, as a spiritual art, demands from the priests permanent struggling and learning to make all the dimensions of the clerical life be penetrating with its sanctifying power.