Lumen 2018

323 the foundation adjacent to the Cenacle. This was to stave off fre- quent quarrels between the Marians and the residents of Nowa Jero- zolima. The purpose of Bishop Wierzbowski’s declaration was also to introduce lasting peace among the Marians themselves. 253 Devotion to Divine Providence Bishop Wierzbowski’s declaration of November 1685 could not fully protect Fr. Stanislaus’s community from the attacks of their en- emies. They continued to use certain ambiguities and inaccuracies in the documents to lay claims to parts of the Marian estate. The never ending quarrels in various courts as well as other internal dif- ficulties prompted Bishop Wierzbowski to grant a second approba- tion to the Congregation of Marian Fathers. In the document issued on February 21, 1687, he recalled how the Congregation of Marians was founded and how they established their house at the Cenacle. He also recalled their canonical erection in 1679. Referring to the fact that several members of the Congregation had abandoned it, he explained that they must not listen to the opinions of some theolo- gians who claimed that the Marians could obtain dispensation from their vows and the oath of perseverance from a confessor of their choosing. The bishop wanted this right to be reserved only for the Holy See. 254 The purpose of this second approbation was also to pro- tect the Marians’ rights of ownership at Nowa Jerozolima. The bishop solemnly reminded everyone that Fr. Papczynski and his Con- gregation were the only rightful and perpetual owners of the Cenacle and of all the properties included in the foundation entrusted to their care. In order to remove any lingering doubts, the bishop once again set the borders of that estate. Finally, he made an appeal to the resi- dents of the city, asking them not to attack the Congregation any longer and not to disturb its peace, but to support it in every possible way. He also made an appeal to his successors to keep the Marians under their protection and to defend them. 255 The Shepherd of Poznan drew up the act of the second approba- tion of the Marians just two weeks before his own death. At that time, Foundation of a New Religious Order