Father Casimir Wyszynski

moteMarian devotion, he instituted confraternities of the Immac- ulate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary and to foster honor to Mary, he obtained from the Theatine Fathers in Rome the privilege to bless and confer the Scapular of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. In the beginning of 1734, Father Casimir returned to Poland and on July 3 rd of that year he participated in the General Chapter celebrated in Korabiew Forest, during which he fulfilled the du- ties of the Chapter secretary. Hewas very pleased to note a higher level of spirituality in the life of the Marians, to which Father Raphael Chełchowski, the Franciscan Visitator, had greatly con- tributed. The Chapter elected Father Casimir the Vicar General of the Order and re-assigned him as Novice Master. In the years to fol- low, he also served as the Assistant Superior in Korabiew Forest, instructor of Moral Theology, and Spiritual Director of that monastery. He always gave great example of religious zeal. The number of the members who advocated relaxation of religious discipline gradually declined and the newgeneration of Marians, formed by Father Casimir andmarked by similar zeal and enthu- siasm, wanted him for the office of Superior General. Superior General of the Marian Community o n December 12, 1737, the General Chapter of the Marians in Skórzec unanimously elected Father CasimirWyszyński to the office of Superior General. The young and dynamic Superior Gen- eral fulfilled this honorable duty for three years and was instru- mental in the growth of his religious family. After the assignment of offices, the Skórzec Chapter was concluded, but the new Gen- eral asked its delegates to stay for deliberation and discussion on a program of work which he had drawn up in 29 points. The Ca- pitular Fathers approved the program in its entirety. The General declared that he did not intend to exercise his authority like a dic- 26 Z YGMUNT P ROCZEK , MIC, P H D