Lumen 2018

Papczynski dedicated the second edition of his textbook. 163 In this dedication, he expressed a desire that just as they learned the art of elocution from his textbook, they might also learn the art of living good and saintly lives by following the examples of their “most em- inent predecessors,” so that they might become the pride of Poland as they progressed in years, wisdom, and virtue. 164 In the fourth edition of his textbook, Fr. Papczynski tried to con- vince the readers that God will endow them with knowledge 165 if they are truly pious. He himself was an example of piety and this fact encouraged his listeners to begin the work of self-improvement. Fa- ther Papczynski spoke with great enthusiasm, in a vivid and beautiful language. In his speeches, he would address moral, social, and patri- otic issues, drawing examples from everyday life and from history. He knew the history of his homeland perfectly as well as ancient his- tory and the history of the neighboring nations. His ardent enthu- siasm spread onto his listeners. The Popularity of the Preacher In the register of the members of the Rzeszow house compiled in the first months of the academic year 1662/63, Fr. Papczynski is no longer listed as an instructor of rhetoric, but, for the first time, as a preacher ( contionator ). It should be said that, in this situation, Fr. Nicholas Hausenka of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary was the only instructor of rhetoric in Rzeszow in the academic year 1662/63, while in the previous year he was listed to- gether with Stanislaus Papczynski. 166 Papczynski, then, stopped teaching rhetoric and dedicated himself to other occupations. To- wards the end of the academic year 1661/62, 167 Fr. Michael Kraus was transferred from Rzeszow to Podoliniec 168 and he was the only preacher at the Rzeszow house at that time. 169 Therefore, it became necessary to nominate someone in his place for the next year. The position was given to Stanislaus Papczynski and, in this manner, he officially assumed the duties of a preacher for the first time. His nom- S TANISLAUS P APCZYNSKI 124