historical writings 932 the Piarist Order, which would give them a participation in the spiritual goods of the Order.328 The request was granted, and the present letter is Fr. Papczyński’s thanksgiving for this affiliation. It should be noted that Fr. Papczyński, on the occasion of his visit to Rome, obtained a similar affiliation to the Order of Pious Schools on May 27, 1691, from Fr. Alexander Armini, who was the Piarist General at the time.329 However, since such an affiliation used to be a personal act of the Superior General, the one obtained from Fr. Armini lost its validity at the end of his term in 1692; hence, Fr. Papczyński had to ask his successor to the office to renew it. Most Reverend Father in Christ, My most venerable Father and Lord330 1. I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude; however, as best I can, I meagerly express my thanksgiving to Your Fatherly Reverence, in my own name and that of my companions, for your remarkable beneficence, surpassing all temporal goods, by which you admitted us all to the enormous merits of your holy order331 and incorporated us, as your own, to all of the most excellent deeds [performed by] all your [religious members] before the Divine Majesty. 2. We shall make every effort so that we might repay such an admirable love; we shall endeavor, such that our tiny Congregation would always have one heart and one soul with your holy Order.332 And yet, that I may not seem to be exaggerated in my sentiments, let us be permitted to be your perpetual subjects and 328 Cf. Positio, pp. 243-245. 329 Cf. ibid., pp. 447-448. 330 The letter does not indicate to whom it was written. However, it is easy to prove that the recipient of this letter was Fr. John Franciszek Foci of St. Peter, the Superior General of the Order of Pious Schools. Cf. SH, p. 123. 331 That is, the Piarist Order. 332 Cf. Acts 4:32.
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