Priest Stanislaw Musiał SJ (1938–2004)

A Memoir on the 20th Anniversary of Death

Abstract

Rev. Stanislaw Musial SJ (1938–2004) is among the prominent Jesuits of the second half of the 20th century. He is known primarily as one of the pioneers of interreligious dialogue in Poland and as an advocate of Catholic-Jewish dialogue, which began on a large scale with the publication of the Second Vati­can Council’s Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions Nostra aetate of October 28, 1965. This article presents the stages of his spiritual and intellectual development, which took place not only in Poland, but also – during the times of the Cold War and the Iron Curtain – in many countries of Western Europe. Although he did not achieve the coveted doctorate, to which he tried on three occasions and to which he devoted many years of work, he not only enriched the Polish Jesuit community, but also the Catholic Church in Poland with his extensive knowledge, wisdom and activities. He left behind the memory of a man of extensive knowledge, as well as great kindness and extraordinary sensitivity. For many who came into contact with him, he became a guide and spiritual father.