Lumen 2018

In order to frustrate the construction of the Marian monastery in Gozlin, Satan had used the local pastor. When his plan fell through, after the pastor had corrected his error and became a promoter of the Marian cause, the demon regretted his loss. Every time, when the workers employed at the construction site stopped their work in the evening, Satan would appear on the walls of the buildings in the guise of a black dog and, with its doleful howling, let the world know how unhappy he was with the fact that the construction of the church and monastery continued. People in the entire vicinity could hear his howling. They ridiculed him saying: “This is how the hellish beast is crying, this is how he is tormented by this foundation.” Satan had a reason to grieve, for he lost here what he had gained somewhere else. He knew that this monastery would become a place of ardent prayer, a place where Christian principles are taught, where the word of God is proclaimed, where the religious hear confessions every day. Moreover, the monastery was to become a home to an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary — an icon venerated and famous for many graces and miracles. The story about the admonishment and the conversion of the pas- tor and about the lamentations of Satan survived in the memory of local residents. Some eyewitnesses to these events were still alive in Fr. Wyszynski’s times, and they told him all about it. 90 In spite of all these difficulties, the Marian foundation in Gozlin was realized. In 1700, the construction of the church was com- pleted. 91 Tradition maintains that an icon of Our Lady of Sorrows, which Fr. Papczynski had brought from his family home in Pode- grodzie, was displayed there. The Founder of the Marians brought it in the summer of 1699, when he made a pilgrimage to the Diocese of Cracow and visited several holy places. 92 The icon, known under the name of Our Lady of Gozlin, became famous for miracles and attracted many pilgrims who brought numerous votive offerings to be placed before it. 93 A Confraternity of Our Lady of Consolation, which became known for its memorable activity, met in the presence of the icon of Our Lady of Gozlin, whom they sought to emulate. 389 The End of Father Stanislaus’s Life