Monks as a Support for Diocesan Pastoral Care in Parishes of the Pomeranian and Kamien’Archdeaconry (in so Called Cassubia) in 17–18th CC. Outline of the Issue

Abstract

In 17–18th CC. monks from local town’ monasteries and rural abbeys were involved in pastoral care on the entire territory of Cassubia – East Pomerania. Especially Jesuits – as a part of the so called Cassubiensis Missio – specialized in such activity. The most important was a role of Jesuits’ centres in Gdańsk/Stare Szkoty, Chojnice, Bydgoszcz. The monks were missionaries/chaplains not only in their properties and their neighbourhood but also in other, further located villages. Relatively well recognized activity of Society of Jesus shows both a diversity of forms and an intensity of contacts. Other orders seem to be involved in action in Cassubia to a lesser extent, temporarily. However, what draws an attention the activity of Cistercians and Mendicants, especially Carmelites and Dominicans from Gdańsk. The presence of Regular Canons of Lateran also arouses amazement because their the nearest abbey was located in Mazovia (Czerwińsk). The article provides only a preliminary understanding of the issue, based on the literature of subject and works of local historiographers from 18th century, partially released in print. A thorough source query is required in the only mass source material of that epoch, register books of parishes. A random research shows that it is worth reaching for it.