Father Wyszynski Pilgrimage

PART THREE S TEADFAST IN A TTAINING H IS G OAL External Criteria of Holiness The Portuguese people’s strong belief in the “Holy Pole,” as they called Fr. Casimir, as well as pilgrim- ages to his tomb and graces received through his inter- cession contributed to the opening of the beatification process. Down through the centuries the Church’s can- onization procedures have improved, due in great part to Pope Benedict XIV. To facilitate the opening of the process of beatification for the Founder, Fr. Papczyns- ki, Father Casimir arranged the Pope’s recommenda- tions in the form of instructions. To examine external manifestations of a person’s relationship with God, such as fortitude, miracles, and heroic virtues, a trial by a Church tribunal must be held. It is important to establish with great accuracy historical facts under various circumstances from the life and manner of practicing Christian virtue by the beatification candidate. Pope John Paul II, who performed many canoniza- tions and beatifications, called his compatriots to cooperate with Divine grace in achieving holiness: “ Do not be afraid of holiness. Have the courage to strive for the full measure of your humanity! Demand this of yourselves, even if others should not demand it