Father Casimir Wyszynski

53 The Servant of Mary Immaculate Life puts an obligation on house Superiors towatch over the qual- ity of sermons: “This task is to be given by the Superior to mem- berswho have been instructed in the necessary doctrine andwho have virtuous qualities, so that their preachingmay bring salutary fruit to the listeners, enlightening themby their teaching, stirring themby their persuasion. Let themalways attempt to speak those things whichwould bring forthmore praise of God than of them- selves; those things whichwith God’s helpwould call forth in the people edification, correction of behavior, love and fear of God, exercise of virtue and good works.” 12 The Marian Constitutions, ratified in 1723, contain instruc- tions about the manner of performing pastoral ministry through teaching and missions. The instructions emphasize that many people in Christian countries are ignorant of the principles of the Faith because of the shortage of priests. Therefore, with permis- sion from the bishop, theMarian Fathers ought to teach the truth of the Faith to the simple folks both in their own as well as parish churches in the surrounding towns and countryside. The regula- tions also stress that this teaching is not to dwell upon compli- cated issues, but instill the knowledge necessary for salvation, namely: “Coming to know God, learning to love and praise Him, as well as to fulfill Christian duties.” All this should be taught in “such an understandable manner that everybody can grasp it.” For this reason, starting from the time of the novitiate, it is im- portant to prepare theMarians to teach catechismand to “deliver efficacious sermons.” 13 Father Casimir’s Social Works F ather Wyszyński’s social works were conducted primarily among the simple, poor and mistreated peasants. Although he 12 Ibid, 282. 13 Statuta Patrum Marianorum Ordinis BMV sub titulo Immaculatae Concep- tionis , Defunctis et Parochis in Cura Animarum suffragantium Congregationis Poloniae, ab Innocento XIII aprobata Anno 1723 , caput 6, 1.