Józef Piłsudski, co-founder of independent Poland and its first Marshal, for many years he hid the fact, which could have a significant impact on his public image. In 1899, already a recognizable political activist, he made a surprising decision to convert from Catholicism to Protestantism. This step, motivated by his feelings for a woman, became one of the most closely guarded secrets of the Second Polish Republic.
The woman for whom Piłsudski changed his religion
At the end of the 19th century, Piłsudski fell in love with Maria Juszkiewiczowa, influential Vilnius socialist. The woman, known for her beauty and intellect, was not only a divorcee, but also a Lutheran. In the realities of the time, a relationship between a Catholic and a Protestant woman was impossible to legalize in the Catholic Church. Piłsudski he faced a difficult choice between love and faithwhere he was raised. He decided to marry a woman. For several months he prepared to change his religion. On May 12, 1899, he officially converted to Protestantism. He was confirmed, went to confession, and received communion in the Evangelical-Augsburg rite.
The wedding of Józef Piłsudski and Maria Juszkiewiczowa took place on July 3, 1899 in the Protestant parish in Paproć Duża. The ceremony took place far from Vilnius, where the couple lived, which shows the great desire keeping the event a secret. The ceremony was attended only by those closest to him, and Piłsudski’s brothers were witnesses, which further emphasizes the intimate nature of the ceremony.
Piłsudski’s decision, although dictated by feelings, could have serious political consequences. In Catholic Poland, information about the leader’s change of religion could significantly damage his image. The authorities of the Second Polish Republic, aware of the potential repercussions, tried at all costs to hide this fact from public opinion. Documents were hidden and witnesses were sworn to silence.
A marriage of convenience or love?
Although Piłsudski tried to convince his family that his marriage to Maria was purely pragmatic, the facts show otherwise. The long preparations for the wedding, the radical decision to change his religion and the lack of a pre-nuptial agreement indicate that the feeling for Maria was genuine and strong. Piłsudski was ready to sacrifice a lot to be able to be associated with the woman he loved.
The Marshal’s biography, prepared just before his death, was subject to strict political censorship. Although Pobóg-Malinowski wrote it in a flattering tone, it was met with numerous remarks from Sanacja dignitaries. Ultimately, he was forced to remove key information about Piłsudski’s new confession. This secret survived the Second Polish Republic, occupation and Stalinism, coming to light only in the 1960s. Protestants began to perceive Piłsudski as “one of their own”, while Catholics tried to downplay the significance of his conversion.
The history of Piłsudski’s change of religion shows that even such an outstanding historical figure had a human face, with dilemmas and difficult choices. At the same time, it shows how complicated the relationship between the private and public lives of those in power can be.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
