Instytut księży demerytów w Liszkowie 1836-1852

Abstract

The Institute of Demeritus Priests was a house of punishment and moral improvement for fallen priests from all dioceses of the Kingdom of Poland. Liszków was situated in the Augustów diocese, also called the Sejny diocese. There was a former Dominican monastery where over 20 demeritus priests found their place, some stayed for a period of time and some stayed permanently. The were sentenced for drunkenness, fire-raising, leaving priesthood, etc. Many priests did not accept their punishment and tried to escape. In order to prevent escapes the windows were barred and guards watched the place. In case of successful escapes local officers were asked to find them and bring to the house. The direct authority in the house was a superior (regens) subordinated to the bishop of the Augustów diocese and he in turn — to the government Commission for public education and personal affairs of the religious. Together they worked out the schedule of the day for demeritus priests. The priests heard Mass, said the Liturgy of the Hours, read theological books in their rooms and took an exam every month. They did not do any physical work. The government covered all the costs of running the house. The superior rendered detailed accounts which were checked at the end of the year by delegates of the bishop and the government. The demeritus priests grumbled about the meals and accommodation. There were 14 rooms in the house. Two priests lived in one room. The house in Liszków existed for 16 years, then it was moved to a former Benedictine monastery in Łysa Góra in the Radom district. The monastery in Liszków was too small for the increasing number of priests. There were problems with accommodation and the contact with the authorities was made difficult.