Augustyn Kordecki facts for kids
Abbot Augustyn Kordecki (born Klemens Kordecki) was a very important leader of the Jasna Góra Monastery in Poland. He was born on November 16, 1603, and passed away on March 20, 1673.
As the prior (a type of leader) of the monastery, he played a key role in history. In 1655, during a time known as the Deluge, he bravely led the defense of the Jasna Góra Monastery against Swedish troops. This event made him a national hero.
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His Life Story
Klemens Kordecki came from a large family in the Gniezno area. His parents were Marcin and Dorota. He was born on November 16, 1603, and was baptized in the church of St. Catherine in Iwanowice.
Young Klemens started school in 1615. He did very well, so his parents sent him to high school. From 1624 to 1628, he studied philosophy at a Jesuit college in Kalisz. Then, from 1628 to 1633, he studied theology in Poznań.
Becoming a Monk
At the age of 30, Klemens decided to become a monk in the Pauline Order. On March 19, 1633, he took his vows and received the name Augustyn. He began his training at Jasna Góra.
After his training, he taught young people. On March 25, 1634, he officially became a monk. Soon after, he became a priest on June 10, 1634.
Important Roles
Father Augustyn Kordecki held many important positions within the Pauline Order. He taught future monks and served as a lecturer.
He was chosen as the prior (leader) of several monasteries, including Wieluń, Wielgomłyny, Oporów, and Pińczów. Most importantly, he was elected prior of Jasna Góra six times! He also served as the provincial (a higher leader) of the Polish province three times. These roles show how much he was trusted and respected by his fellow monks.
During his time at Jasna Góra, music was very important. He helped make sure the monastery had a good group of musicians.
His Passing
Father Augustyn Kordecki passed away on March 20, 1673, while visiting a monastery in Wieruszów. He was buried at Jasna Góra Monastery. Later, his remains were moved to a special place under the altar of Our Lady in the Chapel of Our Lady. He is remembered as a brave, humble, and dedicated monk who deeply honored the Mother of God.
The Swedish Deluge
In 1655, Poland was invaded by Swedish forces. This period is known as the Swedish Deluge. The Swedish army wanted to attack and rob the Jasna Góra Monastery, which held a very important painting of Our Lady of Częstochowa.
Father Kordecki's main goal was to protect the monastery and its treasures. He cleverly hid the original painting and put a copy in its place. He even tried to negotiate with the Swedish king, Charles X Gustav, to protect the monastery. When the king didn't agree, Father Kordecki decided to defend Jasna Góra with weapons.
He led the defense of the fortress from November 18 to December 27, 1655. Despite being greatly outnumbered, the monks and soldiers under his command bravely held off the Swedish army. His actions are seen as a symbol of courage and faith.
Special Mementoes
Father Augustyn Kordecki left behind several important items:
- The Golden Monstrance: This beautiful item, made in 1672, was his gift to the Mother of God after the victory over the Swedes. It is still at Jasna Góra.
- His Diary: He wrote a diary in Latin about the 1655 siege. It is kept in the Jasna Góra library.
- The book "Nowa Gigantomachia": This work from 1658 also describes the siege.
- An Amber Rosary: This special rosary with a medallion is part of the Jasna Góra collection.
- A Letter to General Burchard Müller: This letter from November 21, 1655, is now in the Swedish archives.
In his diary, he wrote about the importance of fighting bravely for God and the homeland, even when facing a much stronger enemy.
Remembered in Culture and Art
Father Augustyn Kordecki is a very famous figure in Polish culture. Many artists and writers have told his story:
- Novels: Józef Ignacy Kraszewski wrote a novel called Kordecki in 1855. He also appears as a heroic character in Henryk Sienkiewicz's famous book, The Deluge.
- Plays: Elżbieta Bośniacka and Maria Gerson-Dąbrowska both wrote plays about him.
- Poems: Many poets, including Cyprian Kamil Norwid and Jan Kasprowicz, wrote poems honoring him.
- Books: Czesław Ryszka published a book about him in 2004.
Even famous figures like Adam Mickiewicz, a great Polish poet, spoke about Father Kordecki's amazing courage and spirit.
Paintings and Drawings
Many artists have painted scenes of Father Kordecki and the defense of Jasna Góra:
- January Suchodolski: Defense of Jasna Góra (1845)
- Władysław Łuszczkiewicz: Defense of Częstochowa by priest Kordecki (1848)
- Leon Kapliński: Defense of Częstochowa (1855)
- Leszek Piasecki: The Pauline Fathers and the Jasna Góra garrison defend the Jasna Góra fortress during the Swedish Deluge (1955)
Other famous painters like Jan Matejko and Henryk Siemiradzki also created works showing Father Kordecki.
Film and Monuments
In 1934, a film called Prior of Kordecki: defender of Częstochowa was made.
There are also several monuments honoring him:
- The most famous one is at Jasna Góra, built in 1859 by Henryk Stattler.
- A sculpture of him is in Krakow.
- Bas-reliefs (sculptures that stick out from a flat surface) also show his bravery.
- Commemorative plaques and stone monuments have been placed in places important to his life, like Iwanowice and Szczytniki.
Works
- Nova Gigantomachia... (1658) - This is his Latin account of the siege.
- Pamiętnik oblężenia Częstochowy roku 1655 (1858) - This is the Polish version of his diary.
See Also
- Jasna Góra Monastery
- Siege of Jasna Góra
- Deluge (history)
Images for kids
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Augustyn Kordecki
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Stubborn defence of Jasna Góra on the ramparts (painted by January Suchodolski)
