Reformaci i bernardyni galicyjscy w XIX wieku

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In the 19th century there were two monastic provinces in Galicia: that of the Reformed Franciscans (the Reformati) and of the Bernardines (the Franciscan Observants). The Reformed Franciscans province was considerably smaller than the Bernardine one, both in terms of the number of monasteries and the monks. Both provinces, remaining under Austrian rule, struggled with the so-called Josephine system, which brought many hazards for the monastic life. Monasteries were getting empty, bishops would direct monks to work in parishes, state authorities made it difficult to admit candidates for religious orders and restricted any contact with central monastic authorities in Rome, monasteries suffered poverty. In that situation, some monks would return to secular life, and those working in parishes did not feel like returning to monasteries. Those who did used to indulge in embarrassing practices, like accepting money for their own needs without the superior’s consent. The superiors, in turn, would give up their posts, unable to meet the material needs of the congregation. Provincial superiors tried to maintain monastic discipline through inspections, sending out circulaires, and summoning provincial chapters. They found the formation of candidates for religious orders significant. They were able to set up their own monastic studies. Despite the many difficulties, the monks conducted intense pastoral activity in monastic churches. In the sanctuaries under their care, they tried to give the faithful access to the sacrament of penance. As far as it was possible, at the bishops’ request, they devoted themselves to missionary work in Galicia. They took special care of the Third Order. They served as confessors and chaplains to nuns. They built Stations of the Cross. They set up and ran schools, which, though not representing high intellectual level for various reasons, educated young people pretty well at the time when educational authorities did not have the right secular teaching staff. A few monks became famous for their pious lives.