A Brief History

The Friends of the Catholic University of Lublin was founded on December 1, 1922 by Fr. Jacek Woroniecki, the Rector of the University at the time. Friends of KUL is a social organization serving KUL. It is governed by a statute.

The Friends of KUL has provided tremendous assistance not only in its material support of the University, but above all in fostering the ideal of higher education with a catholic profile. In the postwar years, as well as currently. It plays a great role in shaping the social fabric of the Church and the University. Friends of KUL constitutes a very important spiritual base for the Catholic University and provides material support as well. In the forty years following the War, the characteristic attitude of the state towards the Catholic faith, the one organization with a solid representation was the Friends of KUL, whose members stood courageously by the Church within the defined framework of statutes, the Friends of KUL undertook informational and cultural activities. The faculty and students organized weeks of Christian culture, sessions and symposia devoted to the intellectual deepening of Polish Catholicism. The long-standing activity attests that KUL, unlike any other institute of higher learning, has become deeply rooted in the consciousness of the nation. All the accomplishments and successes of this singular Catholic University in Central Eastern Europe are a testimony to our Friends, both at home, as well as abroad. The work for KUL, the undertaking and sacrifice have shown, that KUL has survived the most difficult years, remaining true to its motto " For God and Country".

In the beginning, the Friends of KUL had only less than 100 members and appeared elitist which continued until 1945, attracting above all, graduates of the University and the affluent. After World War II, a new stage of development in the history of the Friends of KUL began. The Rector at the time, Fr. Antoni Slomkowski reactivated the work ( brought back to life the activities of The Friend of KUL. ) He placed heavy emphasis on the abundant growth of the Friends of the University. At this time, the (founds of) the Countess Potulicka Foundation and numerous buildings in Lublin were withdrawn from the Catholic University of Lublin.

A quick development of the Friends of KUL occurred in the 1940's and 1950's. In 1952, there were 70,000 members, and 120,000 members in 1958. The number of members surpassed 250,000 members in the 1980's and up to the present time shows relative stability.

The University, relying on donations since 1991, is in need of the financial support of its Friends, without whose generosity the University would not be able to function. All investments, for which the University does not receive donations, academic assistance, etc. are solely the offerings of people of good will.

Without spiritual and material assistance, the Catholic University would be unable to fulfill its tasks to faithfully serve both God and the Country. The academic community expresses its gratitude to its benefactors during daily Mass in the university church for the intentions of the Friends of the University, both living and deceased, and their families.