George Matulaitis Journal

105 wants the rector to devote all his time to the Academy. 6) He noted that many graduates of the Academy had joined the Mariavite sect and that this should be corrected. I had seen the report pre- pared by the former Rector— ÷ arnowiecki 1 —with instructions that it be passed on to Trzeciak. Unfortunately, I did not know what was in it, nor, in all probability, did Kakowski. I was not quite sure what to say and wanted to avoid any contradictions. The Secretary said that Zarnowiecki had been strongly in favor of the Mariavites. 7) Later, Antonucci himself advised me that His Excellency the Archbishop 2 should turn his attention to the seminaries and instruct them to strengthen their philosophy courses. Then the Congregation would be satisfied, and the Academy could then concentrate on theology. 8) Finally, Antonucci said that he himself would write to the rector if the Congregation made any decisions. He said that perhaps the Congregation will give a reply. November 21 I was invited to lunch with Monsignor Sapieha. When I arrived at one o’clock, Archbishop Teodorowicz was there as well. We talked about various matters concerning the Church in Russia and especially about the Academy. He urged me to call on Ledóchowski 3 and De Lai. 4 I replied that if they wished it and there was sufficient reason, I would do so. Otherwise, I am reluctant to take up other people’s time needlessly. Sapieha suggested that he would get in touch with these people and that I should think it over. I did not like their questioning me so much. When speaking of other people or about the state of the Church, one must assume responsibility for one’s words. It seemed to me that they were too concerned with poli- tics and diplomacy. I had come here for a different reason. I am deter- mined to do everything I can to serve the Church. But my ideal is to work for the Church. I have much more confidence in work guided by the Holy Spirit than in the cleverest diplomacies and manipulations. My desire is to be a laborer in the Lord’s vineyard, not a politician or a diplomat. We discussed how the transmission of information to Rome ought to 1 Longin ÷ arnowiecki (1842-1915) had been Rector of the Academy from 1901 to 1907. 2 The Archbishop of Mogilev was directly responsible for the Theological Academy of St. Petersburg and also for the seminaries in the archdiocese. 3 W = odzimierz Ledóchowski (1866-1942): Polish Jesuit, assistant to the General Francis Xavier Wernz (1906-1915). Himself elected General in 1915, he was one of the most active and prominent Generals of the Society. Brother of Countess Maria Ledochowska and Sister Urszula, mentioned above. 4 Gaetano De Lai (1853-1928): Secretary of the Consistorial Congregation from 1908.