Ad Honorem Immaculatae Conceptionis Mariae Oblatio

99 haps, we should analyze his founding writings in the light of his Apology for the Departure from the Institute of the Piarist Schools. “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me” (2 Tim 4:7-8, NAB). The above short “dialogue” with our Father must conclude with the rec- ollection of the two testaments of our holy Father Founder. They are a mov- ing testimony of the person in whom religious consecration has reached the aim which God intended. The words of these documents paint an im- age of a man who devoted himself completely to God, emptied himself, stripped of everything worldly; a man full of humility, love and concern for his brethren. All things considered, these testaments may be compared to the last sentences written by the Apostle Paul, and even to the high-priestly prayer of Jesus Christ recorded in the Gospel of John. Conclusion The analysis presented in this paper is by no means exhaustive. It lacks references to the extensive theological works on religious consecration. It could include such topics as: “consecration in creation,” “Christ – the first consecrated,” its stand in regard to original sin or the struggle with the “old self ” in us, etc. Also, a more detailed reflection from the viewpoint of our topic is due to the spiritual-ascetic writings of Saint Stanislaus. However, I hope that my paper succeeded in presenting – at least in some basic as- pect – the Christological-Passion dimension of consecration in the teach- ing of the Church and in the life experience of St. Stanislaus Papczyński. This type of “dialogue” with our holy Father Founder must be continued. We also need to constantly evaluate ourselves in the mirror of his radical and uncompromising fidelity to his vocation, so that it would not turn out one day that he had a consecrated life while we have a theology of conse- cration.