Concern of the Church about Emigrants from Polish Lands at the End of the 19th Century and the Beginning of the 20th Century

Emigration from Polish lands at the end of the 19th century and in the early 20th century took place both before the First World War and after Poland regained independence in 1918. The Church cared for emigrants from all previous partitions. The subject of particular concern for Polish bishops was to provide assistance to temporary emigrants who took up temporary jobs in the countries of their emigration. The bishops strived to organize pastoral care in the countries of emigration by creating the structures of the Catholic Mission. They also issued regulations obliging diocesan clergy to deepen migrants’ spirituality both before leaving the country and after coming back. Associations established in Poland and in the host countries were also involved in taking care of the emigrants.