Marians in 1670-1788

87 Apostolate or Contemplation: 1677-1723 program that emphasized brotherly love and placed less emphasis on discipline. It was well-suited for the formation of the Marians and the observance of their religious rules. Unfortunately, at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, the Rule of the Ten Virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary was considered more important, while Norma Vitae became a secondary document. In the history of Bishop Wierzbowski’s relationship with the Marians, what is truly remarkable is his genuine concern for the Order and his efforts to secure both its material and spiritual well-being. Of course, a significant factor in this was the bishop’s friendship with Fr. Papczyński and his deep respect for him and his fellow Marians. But an equally important motive for the continuous support of the Marians was their charism, repeatedly emphasized by the Bishop, i.e., devotion to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and, even more praecipue militibus et peste sublatis suffragantium, Varsaviae 1687. Karol Estreicher mistakenly attributed the authorship of Norma Vitae to Bishop Stefan Wierzbowski instead of Father Papczyński. According to the custom, the name of the author was not included on the title page of the constitution. However, the name of Wierzbowski appeared on the title page, as he approved and authorized Norma Vitae for publication. K. Estreicher wanted to verify the authorship but could not find any copies of Norma Vitae, so he accepted the suggested authorship of Bishop Wierzbowski. Karol Estreicher, Bibliografia polska, Series I-III, vol. 32, Kraków 1938, p. 186. Norma Vitae was likely published in 1687 in a small edition, and to this day, no copies have been preserved. Bishop Stefan Wierzbowski’s present place of rest in the crypt of the Church of the Elevation of the Holy Cross in Góra Kalwaria. Tombstone portrait of Bishop Stefan Wierzbowski, Founder and sponsor of Góra Kalwaria.

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