Father Wyszynski Pilgrimage

In his sermon of 1968, Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński emphasized Fr. Casimir’s role in awakening a hope for the nation’s survival, thanks to Mary’s special protec- tion: “To a nation of people who were losing their free- dom, Fr. Casimir revealed their very Mother. He tied this nation personally to her through the veneration of her Immaculate Conception.” Appreciating the importance of the outward signs of Marian piety, Fr. Wyszyński pointed out the need of conversion in Christian life. For this reason, he did his best to instill into Marian cult the practice of imitating Mary in her attitude towards God, her love of Christ and fulfillment of the Gospel precepts. Father Wyszyński exhorted that it was not enough just to call upon God with one’s lips while failing in the external manifestations of faith. One’s salvation may be secured only through the effort of fulfilling God’s will at any stage of one’s life. This is the kind of attitude that Mary teaches us. Therefore, one must entrust everything to Mary, for she is the Morning Star that leads to Christ, the Sun of Justice. By imitating the atti- tude of the Mother of God we can also draw closer to other people. After all, her eyes always saw other peo- ple’s needs; they noticed the humble and the hungry whom God nourishes with goods. Guided by the Morning Star, the Immaculately Conceived Mary, Fr. Wyszyński consequently followed the road to holiness throughout his entire life. People took notice of his sanctity; they felt drawn to him and 63 Steadfast in Attaining His Goal