Father Wyszynski Pilgrimage

41 Renewal and Growth of the Marian Order which could be earned at the Marian churches. He sent to Poland all the documents pertaining to these privi- leges, along with his own instruction about devotion on behalf of the deceased. Witnesses of Fr. Casimir’s sojourn in Rome emphasized his great devotion to the Eucharist which found its expression in lengthy adorations and meticu- lous celebrations of Holy Mass. It was the same at every place he stayed in: he celebrated each Mass as if it were the very last one of his lifetime. He also com- posed a two-week series of meditations for before and after Mass. His devotion included visits to shrines and pil- grimages, especially to Loreto. He brought back from that shrine a candle that he took with him to Portugal since he wished to have it lit at the hour of his death. He also obtained relics for Countess Frances Butler: one of the Holy Cross and another of St. Frances of Rome. The Marian Founder had instructed his followers to take special care of the country folks. This most numerous social group was devoid of legal protection and frequently of spiritual care as well. The Marians made every effort to help the farmers “get to know God and learn to praise and love Him and to fulfill their Christian duties.” In their sermons and parish missions, they also strove to make the upper classes more sensitive and kind towards the country dwellers.