Umiłowanie ojczyzny w życiu i nauczaniu Jana Pawła II

At first the article defines the concept of homeland – following Father Professor Czesław Bartnik - as a „niche of life” of material, natural and human space time, „which gave birth to human beings, develops them, especially early on, keeps and realises them personally and spiritually”. Then, such an  understood homeland is treated as a „key to the interpretation of the Pope’s thought” (John Paul II’s) on the Homeland, patriotism, history and Polish national culture. 
Conclusions and pastoral postulates from the teaching of John Paul II about homeland, Poland and Poles can, e.g. be expressed in five essential elements of mature patriotism (by Father Marek  Dziewiecki): 1. Knowledge of history, tradition and national values; 2. Care for personal development; 3. Care for a family; 4. Competent professional activity; 5. Thoughtful social and political activity - towards a harmonious connection of patriotism and Christian faith.
These postulates in pastoral practice should be included in the area of the family, school (the cradle of faith and patriotism), academic pastoral ministry and a well-formed conscience.