Father Casimir Wyszynski

55 The Servant of Mary Immaculate Magnuszewski recalled the impression that Father Casimir ex- erted on senators during the time he endeavored to secure the approval of Marian monasteries in 1747: “I brought him to the Sejm [also calledDiet—the Polish Parliament]. When the Speaker saw him, he rose from his chair and all the deputies fell silent. After expressing his respects, Father Casimir humbly com- mended himself and the entireMarian Congregation to their good graces. Deputies of my acquaintance , even strangers asked me who this religious was and from what province he came— whether Lithuanian, Ruthenian or Małopolska. They perceived his great holiness, his solemnity and humility, which they valued verymuch. He handed his petition to the Speaker, the legates, and the secretary. They promised their willing assistance in obtain- ing approval when the petitionwould come up for deliberation.” 17 Venerable Casimir’s influence upon the wealthy was mani- fested through the fact that they founded three newmonasteries for the Marians. The Servant of God’s influence on the rich also beneficially impressed theirmorals. WojciechMagnuszewski left the following testimony: “When in my youth I was commending myself to his prayers in some secular matters, he asked with a smile whether I would like to be afflicted—similar to Saint Job— with loathsome sores or would I rather that we should meet in heaven, and he used to add: ‘Seek the kingdom of God first, and all else will be given to you.’ As a reprimand he used to say: ‘Cast away the faults you knowyou have in you and Godwill fulfill your desires. The Almighty God knows your needs.’” 18 Also, by means of the book Morning Star , Venerable Casimir endeavored to promoteMarian devotion so that it might lead the readers to establishing an attitude of kindness towards other people, especially the less fortunate. Evoking Mary’s virtue of mercy, he suggested the following topic for examination of con- science: “How can one be considered compassionate or merciful in: Najstarsze ś iadectwa o Słudze Bożym o. Kazi ierzu Wyszyńskim , selected, translated and edited by Fr. Z. Proczek, MIC, Warszawa-Stockbrige 2005, 46-47. 17 Ibid, 48-49. 18 Ibid, 47.