Theological Foundations new file

223 A Theological Evaluation Some of the scholars studying the writings of the Founder and the Renovator of the Marians accuse the two authors of a lack of originali- ty and a tendency to use the works of other authors too readily. We must agree, of course, that Father Stanislaus and Father George were not scholars of such caliber as some of the renown Polish theologians of those times, like Makowski 54 in the 17th century or Pelczar 55 in Father Matulaitis-Matulewicz’s times. But their teaching does have a specific climate which is intuitively sensed by their spiritual sons. It is made up of such ideas and theological truths that are characteristic for the Marian school of spirituality. A theory of this school has not been worked out yet in complete detail, but when it happens, it will be possible to speak more boldly about the specific character of its creators’ teaching. Summing up, we can safely admit that Father Papczynski’s and Father Matulaitis-Matulewicz’s teaching is in its essence a theological reflection which expresses the spirit of authentic Christian Tradition. As such, it deserves to be recognized because it contains many elements which are always important and up to date in the Christian life. It is based on sources of timeless value and, in its basic assumptions, can always be useful in moral formation. It has yet another very valuable quality for the members of the Congregation of Marians, namely, that it most certainly leads to the heights of perfection. This is confirmed by the fact that the Renovator of this congregation already enjoys the glory of the blessed and the moment when the Founder is raised to the honors of the altar is very near indeed. Notes: 1 DD 77. 2 “Haec imago ex interioris hominis nobilitate consideranda est. Primum quidem: quod sicut DEUS unus semper ubique, totus est, omnia vivificans, movens, gubernans, sicut Apostolus Act. 17[28] confirmat, quod in eo vivamus, movemur, et sumus sic anima in suo corpore, ubique tota viget vivificans illud, movens, et gubernans,