historical writings 906 myself on account of their untested virtue as well as on account of the lack of a sufficient place [for the foundation]. 10. The Bishop of Poznań244 as well, although he had been favorable to me, because he was informed incorrectly by another, firmly opposed the erection of a new Congregation in his diocese, particularly one that did not yet have the permission of the Holy Apostolic See. I unceasingly endeavored to obtain this permission for two years,245 and this matter cost me many difficulties, exposing me to certain expenses. But just as the Procurator246 — treacherous and cunning — fed me with promises while not making any effort to resolve this matter,247 so I was pleased to undertake this matter in a different manner, according to the counsel of a certain exceptional man, the Most Reverend in Christ Fr. Francis Wilga of the Camaldolese Order, Superior in the Kingdom of Poland, a religious filled with the spirit of St. Paul.248 After the example of the founder saints, it is necessary first to receive someone as a companion, and then, already having a place [to reside], bring the matter for authorization from Rome. 11. The idea came to my mind that a certain hermit lived at a distance of about four miles frommy dwelling place at the time.249 I decided to test him, as to whether he wanted to be a companion according to my plan. When I presented it to him clearly 244 Bishop Stephen Wierzbowski, who was mentioned earlier. Cf. above, § 7. 245 It seems that “for two years” should be understood as “in 1671 and in 1672,” and not the duration of two years. Cf. Positio, p. 361, n. 26. 246 It is not known who this “Procurator” was. 247 In the register of the Sacred Congregation of Bishops and Religious of 1671-1673, there is no evidence of any attempt to obtain this approval from the Holy See. 248 Father Francis Wilga entered the Camaldolese Order in 1643. He was five times the Vicar General for Poland. In 1667, he was named “Prior Eremi inMonte Regio,” near Warsaw. Father Papczyński probably met him there at the beginning of August 1667, when he made a retreat there (cf. Positio, p. 298: Doc. IX, 6, § 6). He also obtained from him a letter of recommendation “Litteras Commendatorias” on October 6 of the same year for his “Roman Journey” (cf. ibid., pp. 124126: Doc. V, 1, d). It seems that Fr. Papczyński visited Fr. Wilga in the autumn of 1672, and obtained the counsel he speaks about here. Cf. ibid., p. 362, n. 30. 249 This was Stanislaus Krajewski, who for about twelve years led an eremitical life in the Korabiew Forest, about forty kilometers from Luboczy, where Fr. Papczyński was staying.
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