Father Casimir Wyszynski

His devotion included visits to shrines as well as various pil- grimages, especially to Loreto. He brought back from that shrine a candle which he took with him to Portugal since he wished to have it lit at the hour of his death. He also obtained relics for Countess Frances Butler: one of the Holy Cross and another of St. Frances of Rome. The Marian Founder had instructed his followers to take spe- cial care of the country folk. This very numerous social groupwas devoid of legal protection and frequently of spiritual care as well. The Marians made every effort to help the farmers “come to know God and learn to praise and love Him and to fulfill their Christian duties.” In their sermons and parishmissions, they also strove tomake the upper classesmore sensitive and kind towards the rural dwellers. Father Casimir engaged in thisworkwith great fervor. His pas- toral ministry and writings were aimed at influencing the con- science of the gentry in such a way that they would treat their servants in the spirit of Christian love. Recalling the Marian de- votion of his compatriots, Father Casimir wrote: “The one who attaches himself toMarymust imitate her virtues and stay on the road that she followed, in Christ’s footsteps (…) How can one be considered charitable or merciful who does not perform acts of mercy, who does not take pity on his neighbor or help himwhen the opportunity arises, who does not pray for his neighbors and who does not come to the rescue of the souls suffering in Purga- tory by participating in Masses, prayers, and giving alms?” Witnesses testified that Father Casimir zealously supported the needy and that he personally worked at the construction site of the monastery alongside the laborers. For him it was an occa- sion to teach them catechism and church hymns. Also, while in Rome he intervened in the matter of the clergy who sometimes abused their authority on the occasion of Easter confessions. In the 18 th century a great number of peasants had died because of wars and epidemics. Since hands for hire were scant, certain country pastors would set a day for confessions prior to which peasants had to work long hours on the presbytery farms. Then, 47 The Servant of Mary Immaculate