Personal Education in Times of Unrest According to Archbishop Mečislovas Reinys

Abstract

In the 20th century, our nation went through one of the most difficult periods in its history – occupations. The crossroads of history raise many fundamental questions: how to survive, how to survive? Archbishop Mečislovas Reinys – one of the most prominent personalities of the 20th century, – having paid much attention to solving educational problems, does not abandon this issue even in the most difficult moments for the nation. Otherwise. He claims that personality development is the guarantee of the nation’s survival. The article examines what is needed so that integral personality development does not cease but is fruitful even in times of unrest. The articles under consideration are quite controversial, but the aim is not to evaluate them critically, but to highlight the essential idea about the dignity of the human person, personality development. Archbishop Mečislovas Reinys actively expressed himself in the press. When the opportunity arose, he wrote cartoons in the newspaper „Naujoji Lietuva“. True, they express more of the archbishop’s personal opinion on one or another political or social issue, so the articles are not scientific. The archbishop himself emphasizes this, signing his name and surname. However, when examining several articles, M. Reinys’ position on issues of personality development becomes clear. According to him, personality development is a multi-layered process that must not be interrupted during turbulent times. On the contrary, the educational process can benefit from a transition from theory to practice, and the process itself, after taking responsibility for its success off the shoulders of the school, is based on the development of the mind and will, primarily through the development of moral values. Experience, traditions, and faith practice acquired in the family are the main poles of the culture of self-determination, which respond to the goal of the educational process – improvement.