Ad Honorem Immaculatae Conceptionis Mariae Oblatio

50 frequently enormous effort by the researchers, deserves high praise and respect. However, questions still remain about the methods used, the criti- cal approach to the source materials, and their ability to properly interpret them in the context of their time. One of the professional historians stated: “Let us be clear: thus far we have no written work about the Marians that was prepared according to the above-said methods [applied to historical research].” 35 This opinion was expressed in a discussion after the presenta- tion of the papers on the Marian history on the occasion of the Congrega- tion’s 300 th Anniversary. To some extent, it remains still true with regard to the 17 th Century. It would be hard to indicate some later solid historical studies. Fourth factor: The publicity or the celebrations of the 300 th Anniversary in 1973 The announcement of the 300 th Anniversary celebrations first appeared in the circular letter of the recently elected Superior General Fr. Joseph Sielski, MIC. Already in its opening lines, that letter stated: “The current year, 1969, is particularly important because of the 60-Anniversary of the Renovation of our Congregation by the Servant of God George [Matulai- tis-]Matulewicz. However, in 1973, we will be celebrating the 300 th Anni- versary of our Congregation’s founding by the Servant of God Stanislaus Papczyński.” 36 It seems that the decision to celebrate was made administra- tively, not as a result of academic research, that is without properly consid- ering nor justifying the choice of the date. It looks as if Br. Kazimierz Michaluk 37 was the first to react to that an- nouncement. His proposal to hold the main celebrations at the tomb of Fr. St. Papczyński in Marianki was published in March of the following year. In addition, he suggested beginning at once to fulfill a program of “three-year preparations for the event,” by doing, among other things, the individual voluntary work of “embellishing and organizing our patrimony.” His proposal of a three-year preparation program was later further spec- 35 Part of Jerzy Kłoczkowski’s statement made in the discussion during the scholastic ses- sion dedicated to the history of the Congregation on occasion of its 300 th Anniversary, in “Sum- marium. Sprawozdania Towarzystwa Naukowego Katolickiego Uniwersytetu Lubelskiego,” 22/1 (1973), No 2, 168. 36 J. Sielski, List okólny przełożonego generalnego z 21 XI 1969 r., “Immaculata” 6(1969) No 12, 1. 37 K. Michaluk, Uroczystości 300-lecia Zgromad zenia Manianów, in: “ Immaculata” 7(1970)No 3, 33-34.