Parallelism of ideological, artistic and spatial values of the hermitage of Camaldolese Fathers in Bielany, Krakow, with the hermitage of Discalced Carmelites in Czarna until the end of the 18th century

Abstract

The author shows the similarity of an ideological, artistic, and principle spectrum of an isolated Camaldolese monastery in Bielany, Krakow with an isolated Discalced Carmelites monastery in Czema in XVII and XVIII centuries. In 2005 passed 400 years from the arrival of the Camaldolites in Bielany in Krakow and also of the Discalced Carmelites on the grounds of Poland. A founder of the isolated Camaldolese monastery in Bielany was Nicholas Wolski (1549-1630), the court-marshal of the king Sigmund III Waza. Pope Clement VIII brought Camaldolese hermits to Krakow and built them a monastery. In 1604, this Pope sent Discalced Carmelite monks with the diplomatic and evangelical mission to Persia who on their way had to stop for a longer time in Krakow. Their stay, in 1605, bore a fruit with a first foundation of the  isolated monastery in Krakow. Agnes from Tęczyński Firlej, voivode of Krakow, was a founder of the isolated Discalced Carmelites  monastery in Czema, near Krzeszowice (1578-1644). She covered monastery construction expenses and all interior decorations. To  support the hermits she gave them three hamlets: Siedlec,  Paczółtowice with Dębnik and Zbik. The founders of these monasteries, in compliance with their will, were buried at the entrance of the church crypts so that entering people could pass over their graves. The lifestyle and religious exercises of the  hermits in both monasteries were similar. Eremites through their constant prayer and atonement were imploring God’s mercy for the whole Motherland.