Father Casimir Wyszynski

Father Casimir’s Apostolic Activity W hen he prayed in preparation for HolyMass, Father Casimir used to ask for the gift of love of neighbor. Witnesses in the beat- ification process (Dominican nuns from Góra Kalwaria, Martin Matusewicz, and Balsamão residents) testified that he possessed this love of neighbor. It was found in a special way twice in his in- tercessions before Pope Benedict XIV on behalf of the rural la- borers in Poland. He was motivated by an understanding of his duty to guide people to salvation and to show them the road lead- ing there. Toward his community Father Casimir manifested his apos- tolic zeal primarily by encouraging his confreres through word and example to serve God and neighbor sacrificially. We men- tioned this earlier; now we are going to talk about his service to other religious Orders and to lay people. The testimony of witnesses in the beatification process em- phasized Venerable Casimir’s ability to use all opportunities to fulfill the mission of teaching the truths of faith. Working along- side laborers in the construction of the monastery at Góra Kalwaria, he taught them the catechism and sang with them the Little Hours and other songs. Father Taudt emphasized in his tes- timony that Father Wyszyński involved himself with the simple folks: “He proclaimed the word of God, encouraged them to re- ceive the holy sacraments, and attended especially to the poor and neglected.” 40 The same witness emphasized that the Servant of God used every opportunity to lead people to God, admonish- ing especially the stumbling and sinners, usually doing this in a gentle manner but also using strong words when called for. 41 When he stayed in Rome on his Order’s business, in 1731-1733, he taught the truths of faith and celebrated Mass for the shep- herds and farmers in the vicinity of the Eternal City. 42 During his 40 Posnanien. Proc. Inform ., art. 15, c. 25. See B. Jakimowiczz, Sługa Boży Kazimierz Wyszyński , in: Polscy święci , vol. 9, Warszawa 1986, 161. 41 Positio super virtutibus … Casimiri a S. Ioseph Wyszyński , Romae 1986, 512 (here and after: PositioWysz ). 42 Ibid, 85. 85 The Servant of Mary Immaculate