Lumen 2018

already in heaven and did not need such help. They would sing Te Deum instead. 97 In 1748, printed images of Fr. Papczynski appeared. They were inscribed Venerabilis Dei Servus (Venerable Servant of God). Three biographies of Fr. Papczynski, which were published in the 18 th century, corroborate the opinion of his sanctity. The first one was written in Poland around 1705 by Fr. Mansueto Leporini, OFMRef, who was the Marians’ Novice Master at that time. The second one was written by Fr. Casimir Wyszynski in Rome in 1754. The third biography, which was, in fact, a free translation of the pre- vious one, is the work of Fr. Joao Teixeira and was published in Por- tugal in 1757. 98 An image of heroic virtues emerges from these biographies, virtues which are a testament left for posterity. It is an extraordinary testa- ment, one that seems to have been torn out of his living flesh by means of a burning etching-needle. But, because of it, many became aware that it is worthwhile to live according to one’s vocation and that faith is an indestructible promise of a happy world which the loving God created for man. A WAITING B EATIFICATION Father Casimir Wyszynski was the first to become involved in the matter of Fr. Stanislaus Papczynski’s elevation to the honors of the altar. When he joined the Marians, he met the confreres and the peo- ple from outside the community who personally knew Fr. Papczynski and considered him to be a saint. They testified to his exemplary life as a religious and a priest, they spoke about his prophecies and the healings obtained through his intercession. Later, when he was in Rome, Fr. Wuszynski took the first steps towards opening the beat- ification process. He was deeply convinced that Fr. Stanislaus was a saint. He claimed that, after his earthly remains had been exhumed, he himself felt clearly blessed. He believed that neglecting the efforts aimed at the elevation of the Founder of the Marians to the honors 437 Posthumous Cult