The Truth about the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Sermons by Dominican Friar Peregrine of Opole against the Background of Selected Mediaeval Heritage of Polish Preaching

This article examines the evolving position of Polish mediaeval Dominicans on the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary by tracing the gradual shift from opposing to supporting views within Polish theology and Marian devotion. It explores selected mediaeval Polish preaching heritage to illustrate this transition. Initially, the article discusses the 14th-century sermons by the Dominican friar Peregrine of Opole, who staunchly upheld opposing beliefs on the Immaculate Conception. It then moves to the 15th-century sermons by Piotr of Miłosław, which reflect a gradual shift in Polish theology and worship from the conception and purification of Mary in the womb of Saint Anne to an acceptance of the Immaculate Conception. Finally, it presents sermons by the 16th-century preacher Jan of Szamotuły (Paterek), a prominent advocate for the Immaculate Conception. The findings confirm that while the opposing stance, prevalent among medieval Dominicans such as Peregrine of Opole and influenced by Bernard of Clairvaux and Thomas Aquinas, remained significant, it increasingly yielded to the Immaculate Conception supporting perspectives of the Franciscan School.