69 Apostolate or Contemplation: 1677-1723 provided testimony about the exceptionally devout monastic life of the Marian Order and their apostolic zeal. He emphasized their assistance to parish priests, intercession for the deceased, modesty, exceptional devotion, and poverty. He particularly highlighted their pastoral work inter Schismaticos, among the Eastern Orthodox. He also mentioned that they had foundations in Ruthenia and Lithuania, where they worked with great benefit to the faithful. He requested their approval to allow them to grow and work in areas inhabited by the Eastern Orthodox. The mention of these institutions in distant lands, their pastoral work, and missionary activities among the Orthodox, sheds new light on the first thirty years of the Congregation’s development. It’s worth noting some facts. For example, Fr. Papczyński, while in a hermit order, personally conducted extensive apostolic work throughout Mazovia. Similarly, the Marian Fathers in the Cenacle undertook various pastoral activities mandated by Bishop Wierzbowski’s decree. During the same period, on the eastern borders of the Commonwealth, Fr. Papczyński established a missionary institution (one or maybe two) intended for work among the Eastern Orthodox. These facts testify to the Congregation’s pastoral charism already during the Founder’s lifetime. The eremitical “inclination” started only in 1702, following the inspiration of the Reformed Franciscans and Fr. Joachim Kozłowski. We know very little about the abovementioned foundations. Likely, they weren’t widely publicized to avoid attracting the attention of the enemies who saw the Marian Fathers solely as hermits. However, many questions arise: How were such distant foundations established? How did they manage the complex administrative and legal procedures, both civil and ecclesiastical? Who acted as intermediaries in these negotiations? How was the missionary and apostolic work in those places reconciled with the eremitical character of the Order? And what led to the dissolution of these institutions? Hypothetically, one could assume that these foundations might have been established through the Załuski family’s influence, as Alexander Załuski, the voivode of Rawa, had connections with the Marians from the Forest. His son, Andrzej Chryzostom Załuski, held significant influence as the Bishop of Kyiv, which allowed him to assist in establishing these et pietatem suam illi placituram diffident ab adversariis non paucis circumventi”. Cf. Positio, Papczyński, pp. 534-537.
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