Lumen 2018

CHAPTER IV FOUNDATION OF A NEW RELIGIOUS ORDER B IRTH OF THE C ONGREGATION OF M ARIAN F ATHERS The thought of founding the Congregation of Marian Fathers originated in Fr. Stanislaus Papczynski’s soul most likely during the time of his incarceration in Podoliniec and Prievidza, 1 even though the first document that actually speaks about this intention is the act of oblation of December 11, 1670. 2 Father Stanislaus had a lot of time for reflection then and may have, indeed, made such a decision during those long days of loneliness. In any case, he was convinced that his plan came from God’s inspiration. 3 Following the voice that was calling him to found a new religious order, Fr. Stanislaus wanted to put on the white habit, which he in- tended for the members of his new Congregation, as soon as possible. 4 But, as we recall, the ceremony of investiture was canceled. 5 This unsuccessful beginning, probably associated with the fact that Bishop Oborski had withdrawn his support for this initiative, caused a serious interior crisis in the soul of the future founder of the Mari- ans. As mentioned in the previous chapter, Fr. Stanislaus had doubts as to whether he had done the right thing by leaving the Piarists. After some reflection, he applied to be accepted back into the com- munity, although he did set certain conditions 6 which would have al- lowed him to fulfill the mission to which God had called him (particularly promotio cultus Immaculatae Conceptionis and observan- tia summae paupertatis ). In this manner, Papczynski (just as he did later in two other cases) wanted to make certain that the idea of founding the Congregation of Marian Fathers was indeed God’s will. After all, God works in the Church through His representatives.