Studia Pastoralne
Rocznik Wydziału Teologicznego UŚ

Father Jan Twardy - Curriculum vitae

Academic achievements of Father Jan Twardy

FATHER PROFESSOR JAN TWARDY AS A PREACHER OF THE WORD OF GOD

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF WORKS PUBLISHED BY FATHER JAN TWARDY

LIST OF DISSERTATIONS SUPERVISED BY FATHER JAN TWARDY AS ON APRIL 1, 2011

CONTRIBUTION OF FATHER JAN TWARDY TO THE ACTIVITY OF THE POLISH HOMILISTS’ SECTION

THE EUCHARISTIC SUBJECT-MATTER IN THE PASSION SERMONS
The sermons about the Passion of Christ have been preached during the "Lenten Lamentations" - the service when the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place.
The author of the article postulates that the acceptation of the Eucharistic subject-matter should be done while preaching such sermons. The research works on Polish homiletics of 19th and 20th century state that the authors writing about passion sermons have not stressed their relevance with the Eucharist. On the other hand, the authors dealing with the theory of sermons on Eucharist emphasize its connection with the Passion of Our Lord.
Looking at the contemporary homiletics, we may draw a conclusion that some preachers agree that the Eucharis-tic subject-matter should be touched in the passion sermons. As the establishment of the Eucharist is closely con-nected with the passion, it is necessary to stress such a subject during the sermons. The contemplative-adorative character of the "Lenten Lamentations" along with the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament just needs such emphasis. The preacher is also obliged to bring into prominence the mistalogical matters - as the fruit of life-giving death of Christ are the sacraments of the Church and the Eucharist is the Body of Redeemer which He gave for us and the Blood which He poured out for us. Still actual is the need of full participation in the Holy Mass that should be more and more strengthened by the worshippers. That is why in the passion sermons it should be stressed the fact that the Holy Mass reflects the only and the perfect Sacrifice of Jesus. This will allow the listeners to the God words to be as close to the God Father as Christ is - in the unity with Him.

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD AS IT CONCERNS THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION
Penitential preaching arises from the Scriptures and Tradition of the Church. The significant development of this form of word ministry took place in the Middle Ages, when preachers often spoke about sins and appealed for conversion, founding grounds of it in eschatology. Nowadays, it is advisable to speak often and more about the sacrament of penance and reconciliation - referring to revelation and anthropology. It is always necessary to remind believers about the essence and fatal effects of sin - either in a homily concerning the sacrament of penance, as well as in a penitential preaching in the whole; in the same way, it is always actual to stress the endless God's mercy, redemptive effects of divine grace - and to appeal to true conversion and compensation for the evil that has been done. There are many occasions for preaching about penance and reconciliation during the liturgical year, especially during Lent and at Easter time. such religious issues come from the Liturgy of the Word for Sundays and feast days and is an essence of liturgy of the Mass. All forms of cyclical ministry (such as various retreats, parish missions, days of meditation, the Paschal Triduum, along with examination of conscience) are also closely connected with the sacrament of penance and reconciliation. It is also obvious that the priest himself should be a man of penance, this would enable him to speak with convinction and testify to God's endless mercy. It is also advisable to do research on contemporary word ministry - paying special attention to its relation with the sacrament of penance and reconciliation. As a warning to Polish priests should be the currently wide-spread conviction in many western countries that confession is not necessary, resulting in people often going to Communion without the sacrament of penance.

The Preacher’s Jitters
Summary
The jitters as a fear of public speech is spreading over many people – including the preachers.
This article is based mainly on the rhetoric and homiletic publications of German author Albert Damblon. The problem of the jitters isn’t noted in the contemporary Polish homiletics.
The author of the article has talked over the term, signs and reasons causing that the jitters occurs – and then has presented different ways to counteract it. The preacher should accept this form of anxiety and use it in a creative way. The main way to counter the effects of jitters is the careful preparation of homily, sermon, conference. Very important is also the spiritual preparation that includes prayer and meditation. The jitters has also its theological dimension. So turning to the hearers with true love and carying about their spiritual welfare the preacher will draw the light and power from Divine Spirit – allowing him to improve the Divine Word ministry and overcome the jitters.