Father Casimir Wyszynski

from Poland and he could not even say whether they had left at all. For this reason, some regarded Father Casimir as an irrespon- sible person, acting on his own. Therefore, he remarked in his let- ter: “I wish that such matters which are to serve God’s greater glory and the promotion of the Order, would not be postponed until later, until a council or a chaptermeeting. The Superior Gen- eral may decide these matters on his own authority.” When FatherWyszyński finally received the news that Father John Szkraffer was appointed to go to Portugal, he insisted that the latter should hurry and get there as soon as possible, even if he had to borrowmoney for the trip. Father Casimir claimed that they could not delay taking over the foundation in Portugal and spreading devotion toMary Immaculate. When he found out that Father Szkraffer tried to excuse himself on account of his poor health, Father Casimir reproachfully confided to the Superior General that he did not know who would do the work when the young ones excuse themselves due to their poor health or unwill- ingness. On August 6, 1752, Father Casimir was instructed to go to Por- tugal along with Father Benon Bujalski. He made a pilgrimage to Loreto to implore the Blessed Mother’s protection for the Por- tuguese mission. Coming back from the pilgrimage in early No- vember, he found twoMarians fromPolandwaiting for himat the monastery of Ara Coeli: Father Bujalski and Father Fischer. The latter was to assume the duties of Procurator in Rome. Since it was inadvisable to set off for Portugal at this time of year, they had to stay in Rome until spring. Father Casimirwaswriting farewell letters to his brethren and friends in Poland, with the inkling that he would never see them again. He pleaded with them not to neglect the cause of the Mar- ian Founder’s beatification. To the Superior General he wrote thus: “I shall confess, Very Reverend Father, that I don’t dare to leave Rome until I hear that the process has been opened. After all, it should be our utmost concern. The growth of our commu- nity depends upon it, otherwise we shall go into extinction. Def- initely, if things in Poland cannot be managed without me, and 92 Z YGMUNT P ROCZEK , MIC, P H D