St Stan Illustrated Story

51 N ot all the members of the province were in sympathy with Fr. Papczynski’s views on the religious observance. Serious fric- tion, aggravated by nationalistic differences, resulted, and he soon found himself in open conflict with his superiors. When the Superior General heard of this conflict, he summoned Fr. Stanislaus to Rome in the fall of 1667 to give an account of his conduct. In those days, a journey to Rome, particularly at that time of year and for someone of such modest means, was full of hardship and even danger. It is not surprising then that the Saint was advised by a good many serious-thinking people not to attempt so dangerous an under- taking. But Fr. Stanislaus did not waver in his resolve, even for a mo- ment: “...Summoned to Rome,” he wrote before setting out on his journey, “I accept this command with the utmost respect, humility, readiness, and resignation, solely for the love of God and Our Lord Jesus Christ, and the honor of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, my Lady... I desire that God should be glorified by my journey, undertaken out of obedience, as He was by the persecutions and Passion of My Lord Jesus Christ and by the sufferings of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary.” Filled with this sublime spirit of faith and love, Fr. Stanislaus made his way on foot, for many weary days, to the Eternal City.