Lest You Remain

ished His servant as the apple of His eye . To corroborate this truth, very many tes- timonies are gathered in them about the mortal dangers in which little Jan [John] (the baptismal name of the Founder) met either because of an accident or illness, but from which he had been miraculously saved. This was to make clear the sub- lime goodness of God the Father, who concerned Himself with His child. The oldest preserved writings of Fr. Papczy < ski, are from the time of his novi- tiate with the Piarists, around 1656, they give a indication of his gratitude to God for favors received, particularly for the spiritual graces. It was no different when he looked on his life in the face of approaching death: “I give thanks to the Divine Majesty for graces, kindnesses, gifts, and benefits, with which I have been most gen- erously showered” ( First Testament ). From childhood he bore in his heart an aware- ness of God’s closeness and goodness, whose likeness dwells in the man of pure heart. During his studies in Nowy S ' cz, when he perceived that his teacher — reput- ed deserving of praise for his vast knowledge — conducted himself immorally, cor- rupting the pupils, young John fled this school so as to escape this man’s evil influ- ence. It was instilled in him, most probably in his family home, that the salvation of one’s soul must be placed above prosperity in this world. He was particularly grate- ful to God for preserving him from sin. He tried to look upon his times through the eyes of faith; that had the greatest value which led to salvation and that being pleas- ing to God was far more important than participating in the pleasures of this world. The light of God’s love also flowed into Fr. Papczy < ski’s heart through his par- ents: his upright, but also exacting father Tomasz along with his mother Zofia, known for her piety and patience. It would be minimizing their role to stop only at such a general characterization. Tomasz Papka (Fr. Stanislaus changed his name to Papczy < ski during his time of studies) must have been regarded as an honest and trustworthy man since the people of Podegrodzie elected him time and again as their village bailiff{administrator}. Truly, directness and honesty will be the two characteristics that will mark Fr. Papczy < ski throughout his entire life. Thanks to his father’s resourcefulness and thriftiness, Johnny, after finishing the parish school, was able to continue his studies at colleges some distance from Podegrodzie. Tomasz also instilled in his children the virtue of hard work. When his son John did not make progress at school and consequently left, he was imme- diately sent to tend the sheep. Years later, the Founder of the Congregation of Marians will instill in his confreres the need to dedicate oneself to work; however, he never put it before prayer and spiritual formation: “There are two features with which holy institutes shine—virtue and education. Virtue reveals the observance of the religious rule; education commands the benefit of the neighbor […] Thus, no one shall shirk from prayer either mental or vocal and from any other of our com- munal and traditional exercises or academic works” ( Letter to the Marians at the Korabiew Forest, April 19, 1690 ). L EST Y OU R EMAIN W ITHOUT W ORK IN THE V INEYARD OF THE L ORD 74