KAWALER MALTAŃSKI FRANCISZEK WIERUSZ-KOWALSKI HERBU WIERUSZOWA (OK. 1675-1742) W SŁUŻBIE KRÓLEWSKIEJ RODZINY SOBIESKICH
FRANCISZEK WIERUSZ-KOWALSKI, WIERUSZOWA COAT OF ARMS, KNIGHT OF MALTA (CA. 1675–1742), IN THE SERVICE OF THE ROYAL SOBIESKI FAMILY

Summary/Abstract: The article presents the life and work of Franciszek Wierusz-Kowalski, Wieruszowa coat of arms, who lived in the 17th and 18th centuries and came from Radomsko County in Sieradz Land. The study begins with a genealogical account of his ancestors, thanks to which one learns more about the family branch of Wierusz-Kowalskis, who have done great service to the Church and the Country. This tradition no doubt had an influence on the religious and patriotic attitude of the young nobleman, who through family connections became a member of Maria Kazimiera Sobieska’s court and ultimately her most trusted servant. This earned him a place very close to her son Jakub, and he even assumed the position of Great Chamberlain. His close links to the Sobieskis enabled him to make numerous trips abroad (to Italy, France, Bavaria) and establish relations with the royal courts of many European countries, including the pope. After joining the Order of Malta, he was a very active supporter of the Church in Malta, Silesia, Italy, and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The Jasna Góra Monastery benefited from his considerable contribution; he also supported the Pauline convent in Wielgomłyny and his home parish of Borzykowa.

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