Saint Stanislaus Papczynski — The Life and Writings

Today’s reading of a short passage from the Gospel, initially provided for the liturgical commemoration of the Blessed (and since yesterday, St.) Stanislaus of Jesus and Mary, highlights an- other feature of pastoral ministry in Christ’s Church. The apos- tles tried to prevent a certain man from driving out evil spirits, although he did it in the name of Jesus. They sought to do this only because he “did not follow them.” The Lord gave them an important lesson, relevant for all times, for every age of the Church: “For whoever is not against us is for us” (see Mk 9:38- 40). These words are worth remembering. Noticing and promot- ing the good outside of the structures of the visible Church is worthwhile. It is good to have a dialogue with all who have the good of man at heart. Suchwas the position of St. Pope John Paul II. This is also the position of Pope Francis and the Church today. 3. The name of the Congregation founded by St. Stanislaus Papczynski was an expression of his great piety and devotion to the Mother of Christ. During her visit to elizabeth, praising God for the great things that the Almighty has done for her, she foretold: “Behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed” (see Lk 1:48). The new saint blessed Mary by his life, word, and deed. Anticipating the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he praised this mystery particularly, placing it in God’s plans for the coming of the Son of God, who was conceived in the immaculate womb of His mother. Being particularly sensitive to the mystery of the preservation of the Mother of God from the consequences of original sin, inherited by the descendants of Adam and eve, Fr. Stanislaus praised God for His love toward the world and men, while directing atten- tion to the dignity of man, with whose fate the Son of God and Son of Mary identified Himself to the end and for whom He gave His life. For the disciples of Jesus Christ, His Mother is also their mother. She is the Mother of the Church, which mission she re- ceived under the Cross from her Son. The canonization of Fr. Stanislaus, which is the seal of authenticity confirming his faith, S AINT S TANISLAUS P APCZYNSKI 192