Saint Stanislaus Papczynski — The Life and Writings

Desiring to lead all to holiness, Fr. Papczynski composed a textbook on the spiritual life for lay people and clergy. He opened by saying that “Man, created by God and consecrated to Him through the Sacrament of Baptism, is His Mystical Tem- ple.” He further wrote: “How great is your glory! What dignity!” According to Fr. Papczynski, the first dedication of our temple is the Sacrament of Baptism, in which the Holy Spirit conse- crates us to Himself. Therefore, our new saint encourages everyone to joyfully celebrate the anniversary of his or her Bap- tism and to be grateful for this event every day. This call is ever more valuable on the 1050 th anniversary of the Baptism of Poland! 2. The Immaculate Conception of Mary During the 2007 Mass of Beatification in Licheń, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone thus portrayed Fr. Papczynski: “Guiding him throughout his life was Mary herself. In the mystery of her Im- maculate Conception, the new beatus marveled at the power of the Redemption worked by Christ. In the Immaculate Virgin, he discerned the beauty of the new creation given totally to Christ and to the Church. He became so fascinated by this truth of the faith that he was prepared to give his life in its defense. He knew that Mary, the crowning glory of God’s creation, is the confirmation of the dignity of every man and woman, loved by God and destined for eternal life in Heaven.” At the end of the last century, St. John Paul II called the dogma of the Immaculate Conception “a synthesis of the Chris- tian faith,” and—addressing Mary—he cried out: “In your Im- maculate Conception we have been given a hope of victory.” How very similar sounds Fr. Papczynski’s frequently repeated invocation, “May the Virgin Mary’s Immaculate Conception be our health and our protection.” Through this mystery, God as- sures us that — like Mary—we were beloved by Him centuries ago and called to eternal life in Heaven. His love is always first and always greater than our sins. For this reason, Fr. Papczynski admonishes: “you appeared as a result of God’s plan. The Holy Documents and Homilies from His Canonization 181