Michał Giedroyć (1425–1485). Życie i duchowość

Abstract

The coming 500th anniversary of death of Michael Giedroyć, called the blessed (Sic dictus beatus)', is the opportunity to recall his life into memory and advance further proceeding in completing his beatification and future canonization. The following article is one of several speeches delivered on the special symposium which started to prepare material for this purpose. The meeting was organized by the Institute of Liturgy at the Pontifical Academy of Theology in Cracow with its abode at St Mark Church, where the Blessed Michael Giedroyć was burried. In three chapters of the paper, the author provides first the background composed of the biogram of Michael, the sources available (except Vienna, Prague and Vatican archives), then he establishes the notion of spirituality and introduces the method of his essay. Despite the poor data, he is going to show Michael’s life and spirituality in the light of St Augustine Order rule which constituted the basis of religious life of the Marks to whom Giedroyć belonged, adding at the same time a completing picture of constitutions formulated already after Michael’s death and being to some degree, as the author maintains, inspired by Michael’s life, (e.g. emphasizing the sacristan service which was once Michael’s duty). The second chapter deals with the background of Michael’s life. Here we find the outline of monastic theology and that presented by the university, both joining in one. In connection with this problem the author mentions Michael’s studies at the Cracow University and his relations with people creating felix saeculum Cracoviae. Thus we may see more clearly Michael’s life as the spirit of the letter of Mark’s constitution. The third chapter is devoted to the spirituality of the Blessed Michael. The main features of it can be observed in his love of the Crucified, rigidity in self-denial and special veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary who is the way to Eternal Wisdom due to her sorrow by the Crucified. Now we are allowed to say in brief that spirituality of Michael consists in wisdom of patience which is best expressed in the words utterred to him from the cross: „Esto patiens usque ad mortem et dabo tibi coronam vitae”.