The Cult of Saint Florian in Silesia
The article is devoted to the cult of Saint Florian in Upper Silesia and Cieszyn Silesia. Attention was paid to the most important forms of the cult and the religious and cultural heritage related to it, preserved to this day. The cult of Saint Florian, initiated in Poland in 1184 by bringing the martyr’s relic to Krakow, became very popular in Silesia, among others thanks to the industrial traditions of this region. Saint Florian is worshiped as a patron saint of steelworkers, firemen and other difficult professions. The paintings, figures, altars and chapels dedicated to Saint Florian, as well as prayers, songs and pilgrimages dedicated to him, are the evidence of centuries of veneration. Currently, in Upper Silesia and Cieszyn Silesia, there are 12 parishes dedicated to his name, including the only in Poland Saint Florian’s sanctuary in Chorzów.