Towarzystwo Jezusowe a magnaci. Fakty i mity

Abstract

Being aware af numerous historiographical myths on the role of Jesuits in magnates' life, the author attempts to assess this phenomenon through the prism of the statistical analysis of a number of foundations created for the benefit of Jesuits in the Commonwealth in the 16th_18th centuries. 114 foundations were analyzed. Magnates were not the largest group of benefactors (24.5%) but the clergy (28.6%). Not much less - 21% of the benefactors - were nobles. Many benefactors acted for several religious orders; therefore, it is difficult to classify them as declared supporters of solely Jesuits. A number of magnate foundations increased the most in the 17'h century. However, this is due to the fact that it was the only fulI century of the Order's existence in the Commonwealth. According to the author, using the quantitative criterion, it is impossible to prove any particular influence of the Jesuits on magnates in pre-partition times. Pointing to the measures of influence used by the Society of Jesus, the author emphasizes the importance of school theaters and performances dedicated to magnate families and dissemination of the cult of Saint Stanisław Kostka. Numerous missions that operated at magnate courts in the 17th and 18th centuries are regarded to exert great importance too, but this phenomenon requires further research.