Father Wyszynski Pilgrimage

His first task was to resolve the Marians’ dispute over the title and habit with Fr. Turczynowicz. The lat- ter endeavored in Vilnius to convert Jews into Chris- tianity. From 1744, he was the pastor of St. Stephen’s parish in Vilnius and chaplain at the hospital associat- ed with this church. He placed about 30 newly con- verted persons into this hospital and supported them with his own means as well as solicited donations. However, two consecutive fires in Vilnius prevented the people from offering much to the collectors of alms. Then, Fr. Turczynowicz made an attempt to found an association of the newly converted under the title and habit similar to that of the Marians’, so that, dressed this way they could set out to collect alms. The immoral behavior and religious views of these people astonished and scandalized the public who took the newly converted to be the Marians. Father Casimir had to go to Vilnius twice, in 1748 and in 1749, in attempts to peacefully settle this matter so detrimental and unpleasant for the Marians. When all attempts failed, the General Chapter delegated him to the Apostolic See to decide this matter there. This step was necessary because Fr. Turczynowicz applied for approval of his association under the title of the Marians. Father Wyszyński’s intervening on the Order’s behalf with the Roman Congregations took from May 36 P ILGRIMAGE TO THE E ND OF THE E ARTH