Patriotic upbringing in catechesis

Abstract

Patriotism is the love of the homeland, which is revealed on a daily basis by recognising and cherishing the value of the mother tongue, history, tradition and customs, culture and religion. Patriotic upbringing consists in the shaping of the attitude of love for God and people as well as showing the importance of the earthly homeland in the life of every human being. What is crucial in developing an attitude of respect for the homeland are love and faith, which are the gifts of God. The life of parents, educators and important people also has an impact on the formation of love for the homeland. The most important, though, are particular moral choices and virtues shaped in a human being. The process of developing a patriotic attitude requires many sacrifices and demands from children and young people as well as parents, educators and priests. Patriotism should be expressed by fulfilling great and small duties of everyday life towards the nation. The patriotism of our time must have a cultural dimension and involve solidarity with the national community as well as national culture. Therefore, patriotic catechesis should teach the knowledge of one's own nation and its history and traditions, take care of families, human development and education, teach honesty at school and work on a daily basis, as well as encourage young people to engage in social and political matters.