EN
The Catholic Church in Slovakia experienced a period of intensive development, boosted by the activities of Marian Congregations and Catholic Action, in the first half of the twentieth century. There were only 15 Congregations as of 1919, with their number increasing rapidly. It rose to 219 by 1948, the year of the forcible crackdown by the Communist regime against Catholic associations. In accordance with Ignatian spirituality, the Marian Congregations were aimed at personal sanctification, the sanctification of others and community life. Not one of these components was neglected and the emphasis was placed on the apostolate of personal example as well as on the organized apostolate. Catholic Action had a solid organizational structure which mirrored the arrangement of dioceses and parishes. The local parish priest had the main responsibility for Catholic Action as well as for Marian Congregations established by the bishop in his parish. This cooperation was characterized by five principles: personal growth in faith, participation in the life of a small community, lay apostolate, the formation of priests for cooperation with the laity and the support of bishops for both ordained and lay apostles.