The Last Will of Kazimierz Żodkiewicz, Parson of the Holy Cross Church near Kaunas

Abstract

On 22 June 1699, Kazimierz Żodkiewicz, the parson of the Holy Cross Church in Kaunas, drew up his last will. The aim of this work is to publish this will in its original Polish, providing deeper insight into the priest’s character and his activities. In historiography, Żodkiewicz is known as the builder of the new Holy Cross Church. The will reveals him as a diligent steward of the parish farm, a caring pastor who fostered devotion to the Passion of Christ, introduced the regular chanting of the Little Hours in honour of the Passion of Christ, and envisioned the possibility of founding a beguine house in Kaunas, among other initiatives.