Rozwój i organizacja zakonu szpitalnego Świętego Ducha w Kaliszu do połowy XV wieku

Bringing canons regular of the Holy Ghost de Saxia to Kalisz probably fell on the years 1281-1282. The main founder of the Kalisz hospital was Prince Przemysł II. Also the local townspeople took part in the foundation. For sanitary reasons the newcomer monks were located right behind the northern gate, on the left of the road to the Tyniec village, and the original endowment of the hospital was seven mansa in Tyniec. A further development of the Kalisz Holy Ghost Order was possible owing to the subsequent rulers' (Władysław Łokietek, Kazimierz Wielki), the pope's and the archbishops' protection, as well as to regular small gifts (e.g. Kalisz townspeople's legacies). At the beginning of the 15th century a small drop in the position of the Holy Ghost hospital may be noticed. It was caused by numerous material wrongs done by Kalisz inhabitants as well as by the general situation of the Order in Poland. The monks' convent was managed by the superior helped by the procurator, preacher, confessor, infirmary, treasurer, sacristan, librarian and others. The hospital not only had the function of alms-house for pilgrims, cripples and knights, but also played the role of hospital for the poor and sick from the town and its vicinity. The Holy Ghost monks not only supplied medical treatment but on a large scale acted as social welfare. They derived the strength and skill for further work from the local library (mainly from the Bible), the school run by the monastery, and also from devout prayer.