Father Casimir Wyszynski

After receiving priestly ordination, he studied the Holy Scrip- tures with great zeal: “He strictly observed the sage’s custom to drawon ancient wisdomand on the prophets. Therefore, he read the Holy Bible attentively from beginning to end throughout the year and took notes.” 36 He also studied theological books so that later, through his own writings, he could reach a broader public. Above all, he cultivated a lively contact with God in order to be- come a better instrument for communicating God’s truth. Thus, just like it used to be at school, people fromvarious social classes began seeing him as a man of God and sought contact with him. All this came as confirmation of his faithfully following the rec- ommendations of theMarian Statutes, which stipulated that care for the salvation of people must be preceded by one’s own per- fection and proper knowledge. Priests are expected to be patient in adversity, humble in relations with others, have patience for all, mortify the senses and persevere in prayer. In their contact with people, they should stimulate them through conversation and advice to lead a good Christian life. 37 Among the recommen- dations onmortification there is a command to lead a diligent life and to develop solid preparation for pastoral duties. 38 There is also a rule that confessorsmust deepen their knowledge of moral theology and join zeal with gentleness in administering the sacra- ment of penance. They must be careful in scrutinizing peoples’ conscience, especially of the simple folk, and be reasonable in im- posing penance. 39 In his apostolic work, Father Casimir faithfully adhered to these guidelines.” 36 A. Fischer, Życie, cnoty i śmierć święta Wielebnego Ojca Kazimierza , in: Na- jstarsze świadectwa …, 59. 37 Statuta Patrum … , VI, 2. 38 Ibid, III, 5. 39 Ibid, V, 3. 84 Z YGMUNT P ROCZEK , MIC, P H D