George Matulaitis Journal

Father Olsza < ski 1 not remain in Vilnius, since he was spreading unsuitable political views among the workers. On that occasion I told Mr. Abramowicz: ‘Kindly submit the accusations against Father Olsza < ski in writing, and I will turn them over to the ecclesiastical tribunal for investigation. If it appears that Father Olsza < ski has transgressed Canon Law, I shall punish him.’ I repeat the same thing now. I have never punished and will not punish a single priest because of his political or national convictions as long as they do not conflict with the teaching of Christ. I adhere to this principle: whether one is a federalist or an annexationist, a supporter of independent Lithuania or an advocate of union with Poland, such views are not in opposition to eternal salvation. In these matters I leave everyone freedom of choice. Up to now, it has not appeared to me that Father Petrovski was an enemy of the Polish people. After all, with the Workers’ League of St. Casimir 2 which he directed, he helped the Polish Legionnaires take Vilnius the first time they came. He was then praised by the Polish government for this and lauded in the newspapers. Father Petrovski has been going to Warsaw to consult with the Polish Christian Democrats, whom he supports. They say that he has also founded several Polish schools in Boruny.” At this point Archbishop Hryniewiecki interrupted me and said that at that time Father Petrovski had been a loyal Catholic and had done good work, Now he has strayed from the straight path. He must be dismissed and punished. In his organization, the Rebirth, he is opposing the nobility. Then I asked him: “But who is actually supporting and directing this Rebirth organization? Is it not Pi = sudski and the Polish government? Are they not financing this organization to oppose the National Democrats? I can see that the government is involved in this, and that is why I refuse to interfere.” “This Rebirth is against Catholicism,” said the Archbishop. To this I replied that a representative of theirs came to see me and I told him that as long as they do not go against the Church and religion, I will 292 1 Olsza < ski was a National Democrat, while Abramowicz and Mokrzecki were supporters of Pi = sudski and hence federalists. 2 Liga Robotnicza > w. Kazimierza in Polish. This was the organization begun by Fr. Muckermann in 1919.