SAINT STANISLAUS

Feast Day: April 11

Lived (July 26, 1030 – April 11, 1079)

Patron Saint of Poland

Stanislaus is remembered with Saints Thomas More and Thomas Becket for vigorous opposition to the evils of an unjust government. He is part of the history of Eastern Europe, a saintly but tragic Bishop.

Born in Szczepanow near Kraków, ordained a priest after being educated in the cathedral schools of Gniezno, then capital City of Poland. He was appointed preacher and archdeacon to the bishop of Kraków, where his Sermons and way of life brought about real conversion in many of his penitents, both clergy and laity, and in 1072, he became the bishop of Kraków.

During an expedition against the Grand Duchy of Kiev, Stanislaus became involved in the political situation of Poland. Known for his outspokenness, he aimed his attacks at the evils of the peasantry and the king, especially the unjust wars and immoral acts of King Boleslaus II.

The king first exonerated himself, then made a show of penance, then went back to his old ways. Stanislaus continued his open opposition despite being charged with treason and threats of death.

He finally excommunicating the king. 

In anger, the King ordered soldiers to kill the Bishop. Because the Soldiers refused, the king killed Bishop Stanislaus with his own hands.

Forced to flee to Hungary, King Boleslaus probably spent the rest of his life in the Benedictine abbey in Osiak, in remorse.