Father Casimir Wyszynski

stance of Christian existence, then we must give priority to love. But if we seek the root of Christian life, it always turns out to be faith.” 58 The Holy See proclaimed the aforesaid decree on the heroic virtues of Venerable Casimir after examining the processes of a concrete realization of faith, hope and love in his spiritual life. Regulations for such examinations were set forth by Pope Bene- dict XIV, and slightly altered, are still binding for the canonization process. Pope Benedict XIV emphasized that a long-lasting prac- tice of virtues in a manner beyond an ordinary way of life is nec- essary because of a supernatural goal, and not for human self-aggrandizement. In the 20 th century, Benedict XV stated that Christian perfection must be realized in the concrete circum- stances of life and must indicate an adherence to Christ even when other people would be incapable of adopting this attitude. The perfection of spiritual life does not consist in “adjusting to lower standards” but in “looking up to higher ones.” It is about the outstanding performance of duties imposed by one’s state, including a greater commitment of human will to the works of God. In turn, Pope Pius XII drew attention to the updated teach- ings on holiness and saints, making it more comprehensible for modern man and for various ways of thinking. He further indi- cated that only certain concepts and aspects of sanctity might be subjected to updating. If the extraordinary and miraculous ele- ments in the biography of candidates for the altars were brought forth in the past, presently the social or ecclesial dimension of holiness is more emphasized. 59 In the case of Father Casimir, his encouraging of his confreres to greater efforts in the beatification cause of the Marian founder, indicated that the first stage de- manded examination of the presence of specific principles of Christian life and only then could it be reaffirmed through re- ported miracles. 58 Quoted after J. Piegsa, MSF, Człowiek istota moralna …, 9. 59 H. Misztal, Prawo kanonizacyjne ..., 57-65. This author also provides formu- laries of questions regarding the life and virtues of the candidates for the al- tars, see pp. 494-515 and 555-573. 104 Z YGMUNT P ROCZEK , MIC, P H D