Studia Koszalińsko-Kołobrzeskie

The restoration of a permanent diaconate in the Catholic Church was one of the issues extensively discussed during the preparations for Vatican II. In 1961, Rev. Prof. Marian Rechowicz (1910–1983), at that time the rector of the Catholic University of Lublin, prepared a study on this subject. The document Zagadnienie instytucji diakonatu z punktu widzenia sytuacji i potrzeb Kościoła w Polsce (The Institution of Diaconate in Terms of the Situation and Needs of the Church in Poland) was published in German one year later. It has been unknown to a wider audience so far; therefore, it is worth recalling the most important theses. The author notices many problems that would appear, if this kind of ministry were established in the Church in Poland. He indicates a lack of tradition of the permanent diaconate in Poland, a high rate of priestly vocations, and the problems of the costs related to a deacon and his family support, taking into account the limited financial capabilities of a parish. However, he recommends implementation of a ministry of deaconesses – nuns, whose tasks would include: teaching of religion, charity activities, distribution of Holy Communion to ill parishioners, and leading of non-liturgical services. Thus, the recommendation of Rev. Prof. Marian Rechowicz significantly differs from the doctrinal solutions approved by Vatican II.