 |
Eustachy WollowiczReligious and church figure of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Bishop of Vilnius
Country:
 Lithuania |
Content:
Ewstachy Wołłowicz: A Prominent Ecclesiastic and Patron in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
Ewstachy Wołłowicz was a prominent figure in the ecclesiastical and political spheres of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during the 16th and early 17th centuries.
Early Life and Education
Born to the esteemed Marshall of Lithuania, Wołłowicz pursued his studies at the Academy and University of Vilnius, followed by advanced degrees at the universities of Padua and Rome.
Ecclesiastical Career
Upon his return to Vilnius, Wołłowicz held various ecclesiastical positions, including Canon of Vilnius (1592), Precentor of the Vilnius Cathedral (1597), and Administrator of Troki (1600). In 1605, he entered the royal chancellery.
During the Zebrzydowski Rebellion (1606-1609), Wołłowicz remained loyal to King Sigismund III Vasa and negotiated with the rebels on his behalf. Subsequently, he rose to the rank of Deputy Chancellor of Lithuania (1615-1618).
In 1616, Wołłowicz was consecrated Bishop of Vilnius, a position he held until his death. He famously ordained the renowned preacher and later saint, Andrew Bobola.
Patronage and Cultural Contributions
Wołłowicz became a generous patron of the arts and sciences. He supervised the restoration of the Vilnius Cathedral after a fire in 1610 and supported the establishment of faculties of law and medicine at the Academy and University of Vilnius.
Additionally, he founded the Hospital of Saints Nicodemus and Josaphat in Vilnius.
Library
Wołłowicz assembled a vast personal library, renowned for its collection of humanist, philosophical, theological, and geographical works. Many of the books were acquired during his travels throughout Europe, with dedications from the authors and printed by renowned presses such as Plantin and Elzevier.
Legacy
Wołłowicz was interred in the Royal Chapel (Kaplica Wołłowiczów) of the Vilnius Cathedral, which he had renovated and adorned with his own contributions. His personal library was bequeathed to the Academy and University of Vilnius library, although it is believed that not all the books were ultimately transferred there due to interference from the Vilnius Chapter. Today, remnants of Wołłowicz's collection can be found in various libraries, including the Vilnius University Library and the Library of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.
