Father Casimir Wyszynski

expounded in both books, 298 which deepened his understanding of the Mystical Temple of God. He not only studied Father Founder’smanual on spirituality, but recognized its great impor- tance and necessity, to the extent that during his two terms in the office of Superior General (1737-1741 and 1747-1750), he had it reprinted twice, in 1741 and 1747. 299 Father Casimir felt a great need to share with others the fruit of his prayers and reflections. His search for a book that could be- come a popular instrument in the apostolic field was for a time unsuccessful. Hewas critical even of a popular and highly recom- mended book of that time about revelations, written by Venerable Mary of Agreda entitled Mystical City of God . 300 In the end, he chose the book On the Imitation of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary by Francis Arias, SJ, which he edited according to his own think- ing, supplying it with a Foreword and publishing it under the title of The Morning Star. 301 Having given the matter much thought and consideration, he arrived at the conclusion that it would be beneficial to learn as much as possible about Mary; that much good would come also from teachings and sermons on the BlessedMother; that beauti- ful prayers, songs, pilgrimages, large donations to various good causes, the construction of shrines, solemn celebrations of her feasts, the installation of Rosary groups and other confraternities; wearing special symbols, making votive and other offerings, and especially dedicating oneself in the service of the BlessedMother would be most beneficial. He believed that all these things were undoubtedly pleasing to the Blessed Virgin and that if someone has already been practicing them he should not abandon them. But all of this would not be sufficient if the most important part was lacking, which is imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s virtues. In truth, a devotee of Mary can become like her and by 298 Such as the need for imitating Mary and her role as a model for her ven- erators. 299 Cf. S. Papczyński, Templum Dei Mysticum , Varsaviae 1998, Proemium IX. 300 C. Wyszyński, Foreword to Morning Star , 15. 301 Ibid. 192 W ACŁAW M AKOŚ , MIC