The low level of studies of the candidates for the ministry as well as various restrictions from the Russian authorities caused the relatively low intellectual level of priests in the Kingdom of Poland at the turning point of the 19th and 20th centuries in comparison with priests from other partitions on one hand and limitations of possibilities for pastoral activity on the other. There appeared, however, at that time some attempts to reform the ministry on the basis of a particular regulation. Among diocesan priests the Congregation of Mariavite Priests and Marian Society of Lay Priests came into existence. The former – connected with a more broadly understood Mariavite movement – met with disapproval of the church authorities and later went the way of schism. The latter ceased to exist in connection with suspicions of being connected with the Mariavites. The only successful attempt of institutional character to reform the ministry in the Kingdom of Poland was the revival and reform of the Congregation of Marian Fathers, founded in Polish Commonwealth in the 17th century. Many diocesan priests who wanted to lead a deeper spiritual life and devote themselves to pastoral and social work answering contemporary challenges joined the community. All the above attempts to found priestly communities were linked by similar spiritual and pastoral ideas as well as by some personal connections.