Father Casimir Wyszynski

54 Z YGMUNT P ROCZEK , MIC, P H D himself came froma family of gentry, he did not hesitate to extend a helping hand to people in the greatest need of assistance. During the Venerable Casimir’s beatification process, wit- nesses unanimously testified that he would work alongside the laborers at the construction of the monastery in Góra Kalwaria; he would teach them catechism and would sing hymns, thus en- livening thework. In his testimony, Father Taudt emphatically un- derscored that Father Casimir dedicated his time to simple folks: he proclaimed theWord of God, encouraged reception of the holy sacraments and assisted the poor and the lonely in particular. 14 The annual congress held on July 1, 1749, in, instructed the house Superiors to supervise the teaching of catechism at their monasteries, engaging students for this task. In cases where a monastery had no students, this task could be entrusted to the confraternity’s promoter or to young priests. The time for this workwas every Sunday afternoon from the end of Easter confes- sions until October. 15 Father Casimir’s apostolic work among peasants was but one facet of his care for the people. We should not forget his personal influence on some of themagnates and gentrywithwhomhewas either acquainted or chanced to meet. Pointing out to these peo- ple the ways of Christian living must have undoubtedly created an influence on their attitude towards the rural dwellers. Wojciech Magnuszewski, Father Casimir’s schoolmate, de- scribed the impression his friend exerted on the environment: “He was a medium-sized man, neither thin nor fat, with a face that was neither sad nor overly cheerful; moderate in everything; very merciful towards the poor, with whom he spoke with a friendlymanner. He was respected and valued by other religious orders, by the gentry, magnates, princes and Primates of Poland such as Theodor Potocki and Christopher Szembek.” 16 14 Posnanien. Proc. Inform ., art. 15, c. 25. 15 Fr. Wacław Makoś, MIC, collected and printed all the decrees and recom- mendations of the General Chapters, in: Decreta-Ordinationes , Puszcza Mari- ańska 2001. The aforesaid ordinance was issued on July 1, 1749, and it may be found in this publication on pp. 210-211. 16 W. Magnuszewski, Żywot Czcigodnego Sługi Bożego KazimierzaWyszyńskiego ,