Missionary activities of the Society of Jesus in Stanyslaviv (1883-1914)

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to highlight, on the basis of documents from the archives of the Society of Jesus and periodicals of the time, the missionary activity of the order in Stanyslaviv from 1883 until the beginning of the First World War. In addition, to analyze the social work of the Society of Jesus, particularly the latter’s establishment of religious societies and Marian sodalities. Th e research methodology. Th e article uses general scientifi c methods, particularly the analysis, and synthesis of various sources, induction, and deduction. Th e principles of historicism, objectivity, comprehensiveness, integrity, and systematicity are applied. Th e text uses the approp- riate terminological apparatus, which substantiates the author’s vision of the essence and historical assessment of the missionary initiatives of the Society of Jesus in Stanyslaviv. Th e scientifi c novelty lies in a comprehensive review of the pastoral activities of the Society of Jesus in Stanyslaviv in 1883-1914. Based on the annual reports of the Jesuits, statistical data on various areas of their missionary service are presented. Th ere’s an opinion put forward that the history of the Society of Jesus in Ukrainian lands at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries is sporadi- cally presented in Ukrainian historiography, which strengthens the relevance of the study of the history of Roman Catholic orders in Halychyna. Conclusions. In 1883, the Jesuits had the op- portunity to start a mission in Stanyslaviv, where the Lviv Archbishop of the Armenian Catholic Church Isaac Mykolay Isakovych invited them. At fi rst, the Jesuits were engaged in pastoral care at the Armenian church. Later, they organized the construction of the church of St. Stanislav Kostka and the residence, which became the mission house of the order. It was noted that the scope of the spiritual work of the Society of Jesus unfolded over time. It was indicated that the social activity of the Jesuits, connected with the establishment of Marian sodalities and religious congregations, was carried out in the context of the social policy of Pope Leo XIII.