Ad majorem Dei gloriam. A contribution to education and formation by the Jesuit College in Płock in the 17th and 18th centuries

Bishop Marcin Szyszkowski of Płock (1607-1616) founded the Jesuit College in his diocesan capital in 1611, later approved by the Sejm of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1616. The founder granted the Jesuits the house previously occupied by the collegiate school of St. Michael’s. The arrival of the Jesuits and the establishment of the school were met with great approval from the local nobility. The activities of the College in the years 1611 -1773 contributed significantly to the elevation of education in Mazovia, particularly in Płock, during the early modern period as well as the improvement of life, especially in terms of religion and culture. Thanks to those who taught rhetoric “for the greater glory of God,” who died in the service to the infected, who wrote theatrical plays, preached fervent sermons, and led the Sodality, a solid foundation was laid for the construction of a society conscious of its roots and responsible for the welfare of the Commonwealth.