Lest You Remain

supposed to be interpreted as imitation of the Mary’s example in accordance to the Rule of the Ten Evangelical Virtues of the B.V.M. “For no one who doesn’t imitate Mary’s example during his stay here, on earth, who doesn’t always serve her with greatest love, will see Mary in her heavenly citadel”, so taught Fr. Stanislaus. Captivated by Mary Immaculate, Fr. Papczy<ski faithfully trod on the road to holiness, persistently imitating Mary’s example and shaping the beauty of his heart after her model. *** A Marian Helper perceives in the mystery of the Immaculate Conception an inspiration for growing fidelity to the promises of holy baptism. In this salvific event each one of us was freed from original sin and received sanctifying grace. In this Divine work we see the truth about us, chosen in Christ “before the foundation of the world” (Eph 1:4). This is our starting place and our mission: the gift of salvif- ic love by which we must grow every day, thus advancing on the road to heaven. Whoever breaks away from the baptismal charism, from the holiness of heart, even though he might have done a lot of good, does not have merits before God, as if he were without work. Thus, a Marian Helpers ought to take continuously care of the beauty of his/her heart so that the work for the good of others may bring fruits and become accumulated treasure in heaven. Our concern for the beautiful life, according to Fr. Stanislaus’s inspiration, ought to be put into life on the road of imitating the virtues of the Blessed Mother, above all—of her faith, hope, love, and perfect union with Christ. Our conception in God’s heart many centuries ago and our human conception in time are joined together by the same plan of God: so that we be unmarred before His Face, so that we advance in the newness of life giving witness to the gratuitous love of God, by the mercy of Whom we’ve been called to life, sustained in our exis- tence, and destined for the life in heaven. 6. Longing for heaven Father Papczy < ski fervently desired heaven for himself and for others. He strove for holiness throughout his entire life and uncompromisingly put into life the ideals of religious life in imitation of Mary, in order to rejoice along with her in God’s presence in the glory of heaven. Father Stanislaus’s pastoral work resulted from his desire for everyone to be redeemed and rejoicing in heaven. Out of his concern for the holiness of human Fr. St. Papczy < ski as the Inspiration for the Marian Helpers 221