Father Casimir Wyszynski

Magnuszewski testified: “Laity commended themselves to his prayers. When I would be talking a great deal about temporal matters, hewould remark: ‘Seek first the kingdomof God andHis righteousness, and all things will be given to you.’ He also used to say: ‘Pray that we may meet in heaven.’” 46 The samewitness stated that—in an effort to further spiritual growth and create communal spirit—Venerable Casimir “found- ed confraternities at many of the Marian churches, such as the Confraternity of Consolation of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, of Divine Providence, of Saint John Nepomucene and many others. He also prepared printed books with the litanies, the Little Hours and prayers for these confraternities.” 47 Faithful to theMarian heritage, Venerable Casimir endeavored to instill in people a genuine devotion to Mary Immaculate, the best manifestation of whichwould be the imitation of her virtues. He wanted to convey to others the values by which he lived. For the benefit of the faithful, he translated and edited a book entitled Morning Star , inwhich he discussed imitatingMary in the way in which she dedicated her life to God and neighbor. Against the backdrop of Mary’s virtues, explored in this book, he suggested ideas for an examination of conscience: “1. We cannot believe someone to be pure if he or she frivo- lously risks the loss of purity, does not courageously fight temptations, and calmly looks at things that should not be looked at; who does not train his body by fasting, vigils and moderation in eating and drinking. 2. How can a man consider himself to be prudent if he is un- able to restrain his speech so as to say nothing against God, neighbor or virtue; if he does not avoid false and vain words, is not in control of his laughter, or does not strive to preserve noble customs and behavior worthy of a child of God? 46 W. Magnuszewski, Żywot… , 46. 47 PositioWysz , 366. 87 The Servant of Mary Immaculate