Father Casimir Wyszynski

the family was able to return and rebuild their ruined estate. Their even greater concernwas for the proper nurturing and ed- ucation of their children. The youngest boys, John and Francis, were sent to the Piarists’ school in the nearby town of Góra Kalwaria. The proximity of about 40 kilometers between the school and the family home allowed the parents to inquire fre- quently as to the boys’ progress in their studies. Relations be- tween the Wyszyński family and the Piarists were close and cordial since Mrs. Wyszyński’s three brothers were members of that order. One of them, Father Wacław Zawadzki was rector of the school in Góra Kalwaria from 1711 to 1714. Francis soon became noted for his piety and uprightness, al- though at first he struggledwith learning. Annoyed at this, his fa- ther brought himback home and began treating himharshly. One day, without his parents’ knowledge, Francis set out on a pilgrim- age to Rome. However, his older brother Michael caught up with the young pilgrim, who agreed to go back only out of concern for his worried mother and with the promise of his father’s forgive- ness. Indeed, from that day forward his father showed himmore kindness and allowed him to renew his studies. In 1714, due to public unrest and epidemics, the school was closed and Francis was sent home. Three years later, he resumed his studies at the Piarists’ College inWarsaw, where he stayed at a hostel for students of gentry’s families. Following his father’s wish, he was trained to serve at the Warsaw municipal chancellery. Having worked a year there, he suddenly pledged to make a pilgrimage to Santiago de Com- postela in Spain. This time he wished to have his parents’ bless- ing, so he revealed his plans to his brotherMichael, who informed their parents. Mr. Wyszyński came to Warsaw, hoping to talk his son out of making this pilgrimage, but Francis would not be dissuaded. He also kept secret the reason for making this vow. At that point his father turned for help to aWarsaw official, Father Wężyk. After a conversation with Francis, Father Wężyk recommended that the 17 The Servant of Mary Immaculate