Father Wyszynski Pilgrimage

One of these two people was John of God of the Immaculate Conception who also made attempts at founding a religious order in honor of the Immaculate Conception. Father Casimir took up residence at the Reformed Franciscans’monastery in Lisbon, where on March 25, 1754, he invested John of God with the white Marian habit. This first Portuguese Marian was instrumental in the installation of the Marian monastery in Balsam ã o. He knew about St. Francis’ Tertiaries who lived at the local Shrine of Our Lady and were looking for a religi- ous order to join. Having learned this, Fr. Casimir wrote to the Bishop of Miranda, John of the Cross, a Car- melite, including information about the Marians and a picture of the Founder. In his reply of July 1, 1754, the Bishop wrote that, having obtained the opinion of the local residents and the pastor of the Chacim parish as well as the information about the Marians, he decided to forward to Fr. Casimir the hermits’ petition. Also, he pledged his help in the realization of Fr. Casimir’s project and gave the following piece of advice: “I believe it is advisable that you, Reverend Father, should go and take up residence there to allow the locals to get to know you. I am certain that they will receive you with love because they wish to join an institute that has already been approved.” Father Casimir also received a letter from the superior of the community in Balsam ã o, containing a heartfelt invitation: “Please come shortly for my heart 47 Renewal and Growth of the Marian Order