MARIANS IN 1670-1788 132 obedience, and the second is against the vow of poverty.”241 The decree cast a shadow on Fr. Papczyński as a member of the Order. It provided the Promoter of the Faith with a basis for raising serious charges in the beatification process.242 John Niezabitowski, a zealous Marian and advocate for breaking ties with the Franciscans, evaluated their activities at the above-mentioned Chapter: “What was it that had wrecked the cause of our Patriarch [Fr. Papczyński] in such a way that his return should never be likely, if not the cunning of our protectors, presiding for the first time after the death of S[tanislaus] P[apczyński], our Father. During the first Chapter, he, his holy works and praiseworthy decrees was criticized under the guise of rigor, lest we rejoice from this treasure, which they did not have. They knew well enough that the great virtues of the Order were to be the ornament of the Kingdom, and therefore, right at the beginning of their reign, their great endeavor was to keep our forefathers in the dark as much as possible.”243 Fr. Papczyński made specific provisions in his will regarding filling positions in Marian monasteries and the funds deposited in his name, a right he held as the current superior. However, Fr. Ludwik Borzowski, a Reformat, believed Fr. Papczyński did not have such a right and violated the vows of poverty and obedience in issuing the above provisions. The same Chapter changed the electoral regulations established by Fr. Stanislaus, shortening the term of office of the superiors general from six to three years and the term of local superiors from three years to one year. The same Chapter prohibited founding new institutions, citing the small number of members. The actions of Fr. Kozłowski caused anxiety among the “faithful sons” of Fr. Papczyński. The Servant of God Fr. Casimir Wyszyński wrote about Joachim Kozłowski: “Having assumed power [...] he concealed all the merits, virtues and holiness of the Founder and, instead of dutifully supporting his process out of obligation, he attributed everything to himself. Though my brethren and I urged him to support the process of such a great Servant of God, he absolutely would not consent to it.”244 Some Marians began to rebel and murmur against departing from the 241 Cap. Gen., 1702, Introduction and decrees 1702/1/2. 242 Positio, Papczyński, p. 496, footnote 27. 243 Listy, letter of John Niezabitowski to the Marians, Romae 14 sept. 1777. 244 Wyszyński, Stróż, p.135, n. 10; Teixeira, nn. 233, 234.
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