123 Apostolate or Contemplation: 1677-1723 community’s needs, accurately finding their place here. Supporting the local parish priests was one of the more significant tasks of the Marians in Skórzec. In the first twenty years of the institution’s existence, there were usually two to three fathers and one religious brother residing there.204 From around 1730, after the expansion of the monastery, Skórzec became an important center for formation. In 1733, seven clerics studied there. In 1735, there were eight, and in 1743, there were eleven,205 under the spiritual and academic guidance of a carefully chosen Marian faculty. Thanks to this arrangement, when they were not teaching classes, Marians from Skórzec were able to engage more actively in pastoral work in neighboring parishes, especially during Christmas, Lent, and important Church and local holidays and associated Church fairs. The Skórzec monastery played a crucial role for the local population and clergy. Moreover, the general superiors of the Order often chose it as their headquarters, further enhancing the prestige of the place. In 1737, 1741, 1744, and 1750, General Chapters206 were celebrated in Skórzec. It was the most important monastery of the Marian Order in the second half of the 18th century and in the 19th century. Unfortunately, in 1769 and 1789, two massive fires completely consumed the wooden church and monastery, turning them into ruins. However, thanks to the generous assistance of donors and the diligent work of the Marians, a new brick church was erected along with a monastery after the last fire, creating an extensive complex of buildings adapted for various tasks and activities in the future. Space was also allocated for the general government, the convent, the novitiate, and a parish school. Crisis of Identity and Charism: Reformed Franciscans in Relation to the Marians The history of the Marians holds many unresolved issues. One of the more controversial and difficult to explain is the jurisdictional dependence of the Marians on the Friars of the Minor Observance. Fr. 204 Prot. Ord., p. 272. 205 Prot. Conv. Corab., 1743 [b. p.]. 206 Prot. Ord., passim.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==