Dispensation and Liturgy Mediated as an Answer to COVID-19 Restrictions: Empirical Study Based on Polish Online Press Narration

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to determine the media image of dispensation and liturgy mediated during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. The paper is based on interdisciplinary methodology, which combines elements of practical theology (the see–judge–act paradigm) and a communication and media studies approach (media content analysis, critical discourse analysis). The time range of the analysed media discourse is between 12 and 18 March 2020, which was the first week after issuing government restrictions towards liturgy and the Church’s response to that: granting the dispensation and supporting the mediatisation of liturgy. The material for the discourse analysis includes online editions of 20 Polish press titles. It occurs that the general attitude of the media towards dispensation and liturgy mediated was positive, but some media tended to present the topics according to their editorial policies. The paper also formulates a theological reflection: although liturgy mediated as a permanent solution could be challenging to accept, it allowed worshippers to experience the liturgy in times of isolation. It is, therefore, an expression of the Church’s concern for the health and lives of the faithful, although not entirely in line with the official and long-standing position of the Church towards the mediatisation of the liturgy.

The Relationship Between Meaning in Life, Life Satisfaction and Job Satisfaction with Religious Experience in the Life of Polish Nurses

“…In addition to health problems, the pandemic has also brought changes in many areas of economic, religious, and social life mainly by the closure of schools, workplaces, places of worship, as well as isolation from loved ones and limitation of social contacts. That all caused stress as well as the need to stay in quarantine and long-term isolation (Jupowicz-Ginalska et al, 2021 ; Rigoli, 2021 ; Zagórska, 2021 ).…”

The Catholic Church in Poland, Her Faithful, and the Restrictions on Freedom to Practise Religion during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Issues related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the regulations adopted in its wake, on the opportunities to practise religion in its various forms have been widely studied. The authors of these texts have adopted varied research perspectives and methodological approaches (see in particular: Madera 2021a; Martínez-Torrón and Rodrigo Lara 2021; Consorti 2020; Kasper and Augustin 2020; Przywara et al 2021;Jupowicz-Ginalska et al 2021;Parish 2020). Also highlighted has been the significance of the research on the response of religious communities to the restrictions imposed by state authorities, leading to preliminary research conclusions (see Martínez-Torrón 2021, pp.…”