Lumen 2018

Father Papczynski’s enemies also distorted the truth about his stay at the Piarist Fathers and the circumstances of his departure. It was necessary to respond to these attacks, if only for the sake of the future candidates to the new Congregation, who might be discouraged by the false version of the events associated with his departure from the Piarists. To this end, he wrote his Apology, in which he revealed the true reasons for his leaving that congregation. 42 In his introduction to Apology , Papczynski explains that his deci- sion to leave the Piarist Fathers was not made frivolously and that he was not removed, as some believe, but he himself asked to be re- leased for important reasons. In the course of his explanations, he often uses harsh, strong words. The amount of suffering that he had experienced and the polemic nature of the literary form that he chose can explain such a style. It is worth mentioning that the document under discussion is of great value as a [re]source, even though the author does not follow a chronological order in his account. He wrote his Apology primarily to defend himself and not to tell the story of his life. Here is a fragment of the introduction: “As I have heard various opinions from various people, and even prudent men hold various opinions about my departure from my original vocation, I consider it a useful thing to explain the entire matter openly and clearly, so as to lead some of them out of their error and protect the others from committing one. I am not con- cerned about defending my honor, for I have none and I think noth- ing of it; neither do I wish to harass or slander anyone as I reveal the true reasons behind the step that I took. I simply want everyone to know that I didnot leave the Piarists out of frivolity, neither was I re- moved for any reason, rather, I myself had asked to be released for serious reasons.” 43 Father Papczynski knew that the birth of everything great is ac- companied by pain, therefore, he persevered in his plans even though he was sometimes discouraged to the bottom of his heart. In spite of mounting difficulties, he did not give up his intention and wanted 257 Foundation of a New Religious Order