Sprowadzenie relikwii św. Karola Boromeusza do diecezji krakowskiej (1626/1627)

Abstract

Saint Charles Borromeo (d. 1584), cardinal and archbishop of Milan since 1560, canonized in 1610, is numbered among the most popular saints of the post-Tridentine Catholic Church. His cult remains still lively in many countries, while his relics are venerated in different places of Europe. In Poland little town Niepołomice near Cracow is considered to be the oldest centre of cult of Saint Charles Borromeo, but there are no relics of this famous Patron. In the light of recognized archival sources very picturesque situated church of Saint Charles Borromeo in Karczówka (Mount o f Saint Charles) near Kielce was first sanctuary in territories of the pre-partition Poland with relics of this canonized archbishop of Milan. That sanctuary was founded in 1624 by Martin Szyszkowski, bishop of Cracow, who obtained mentioned relics (particle of bowels) from cardinal Frederic Borromeo (cousin of Saint Charles), archbishop of Milan of that times, in 1626 (1627). In years 1631-1864 custodians of church in Karczówka as well of these relics were Franciscans-Observants, in Poland called Bernardines. The present article refers to the lengthy circumstances of that pious foundation of bishop Martin Szyszkowski (d. 1630) from 17th the century.