Father Casimir Wyszynski

many bad habits, is unaware of what is good and beneficial, and through its errors and heresies becomes separated from Christ, the Sun of Justice. Just as themorning star, Aurora, announces the rising of the Sun, so will the virtues of the Virgin Mary point the way to Christ, the Sun of Justice, for those who readily undertake to practice them.” These ardent recommendations flowed from the heart of a manwho put into practicewhat he proclaimed byword. He lived a life full of mortification. Throughout his 30 years of religious life, he slept only five hours a day and wore a hair shirt all the time. His attitude towards other people expressed a special love of neighbor. He lived and worked during difficult times. The pe- riod under Saxon rule was one of widespreadmaterial, spiritual, andmoral degradation. Spiritual emptiness andmediocritywere covered up with the glamour and lavish lifestyle of the upper classes. The rich did not hesitate to oppress the less fortunate and impose ever heavier burdens upon the peasants. Father Wyszyński, witnessing the behavior of the times, never gave up the fight to change the situation, never lost hope. The Primate of Poland, Stephen Cardinal Wyszyński, emphasizing Father Wyszyński’s role in the awakening of hope for the nation’s sur- vival in those difficult times, due to Mary’s particular protection, spoke about him thus: “To a nation of people who were losing their freedom, Father Casimir revealed their veryMother. He tied this nation personally to her through the veneration of her Im- maculate Conception and Sorrowful Heart. He began by preach- ing to the nation that all abandon themselves toMary’s maternal bondage […] He knew that anything entrusted to her care would never perish.” Father Casimir’s Merciful Deeds for the Souls in Purgatory H aving asked for admission to theMarianOrder inNovember of 1723, Francis—afterwards Father Casimir—lived more than 71 The Servant of Mary Immaculate