Abstract

Social action formed part of the tradition of the Old Catholic Mariavite Church from its very beginnings, becoming one of its key characteristics – rather like the Polish genesis of faith. Under the leadership of the foundress of Mariavitism, Maria Franciszka Kozlowska, nuns, priests and the faithful were ‘born’ whose aim was to help all those in need irrespective of their age, background or denomination. This may be described as a great aid work. In many parishes, orphanages and cheap or free soup kitchens were created, shelters for the elderly and the sick were organized, factories and craft workshops as well as cheap shops, bakeries and mineral water manufacturing companies were set up. Living accommodation for the homeless of the parishes were built and farms were set up and run. These activities are the only example in the Catholic church of work consistently carried out on behalf of those people who are at risk of social exclusion. It is practical grass roots work, unregulated by laws and acts and may be compared to contemporary activities in the area of aid and social integration.