Franciszek Kareu Vicar General in Russia Date of Birth: 10.12.1731 Country: Belarus

Content:

1. Francis Kare: The Last Jesuit General Vicar of Russia
2. Priestly Ministry and Architectural Studies
3. Preservation of the Jesuits in Russia
4. Leadership and Expansion
5. General Vicar of Russia
6. Papal Recognition
7. Legacy

Francis Kare: The Last Jesuit General Vicar of Russia

Early Life and Education

Francis Kare was born in Orsha, Belarus, to a family of English descent. After completing his education, he joined the Jesuit order in 1754. He spent two years as a novice in Vilnius and then continued his theological studies for another two years.

Priestly Ministry and Architectural Studies

In 1759, Kare moved to Pinsk, where he was ordained a priest in 1762. He served in several Belarusian cities, including Minsk, Nesvizh, and Slutsk. In 1768, he arrived in Polotsk, where he studied architecture at the Jesuit college.

Preservation of the Jesuits in Russia

In Polotsk, Kare became closely acquainted with Stanislav Czerniewicz and Gabriel Lenkiewicz, two future general vicars of Russia. They were involved in efforts to preserve the Jesuit order in Russia after its suppression by Pope Pius VI in 1773. Kare actively supported their endeavors.

Leadership and Expansion

In 1782, Kare became the rector of the Jesuit College in Orsha. In 1785, he was elected rector of the most prestigious Jesuit higher school in the Russian Empire—the college in Polotsk.

General Vicar of Russia

After the death of Gabriel Lenkiewicz, Kare was elected general vicar of the Society of Jesus in Russia on February 12, 1799. In 1800, the Jesuit-friendly Tsar Paul I transferred the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria in St. Petersburg to the Jesuits and approved the establishment of a college there.

Papal Recognition

In March 1801, Pope Pius VII confirmed the existence of the Jesuits in Russia and allowed the general vicar of the Society of Jesus in Russia, Francis Kare, and his successors, to bear the title "General of the Order in Russia."

Legacy

Kare died on August 11, 1802. He was succeeded as general of the order in Russia by Gabriel Gruber. Kare's leadership was instrumental in preserving and revitalizing the Jesuit order in Russia during a challenging period.

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