Saint Stanislaus Bishop of Krakow
On April 11, the Church honors the memorial of St. Stanislaus Bishop of Krakow and martyr – a symbol of faith, dignity, and patriotism for Poland.
Born near Krakow on July 26, 1030, Stanislaus loved his Christian faith and was an example for his peers. That reputation followed him through the priesthood and into his duties as bishop, which began in 1072. He continued to boldly preach the Gospel and worked tirelessly to spread Christianity in Poland.
What we known about the young bishop has been handed down by generation to generation.
Poland’s King Boleslaus (also spelled Boleslaw in records) appeased the energetic bishop, helping him open several Benedictine monasteries. The Polish people warned Stanislaus not to trust the king, claiming he was only being kind so the bishop would turn a blind eye. It was Boleslaus’ own brother, Wladyslaw Herman, that convinced to take a more detailed look at the king’s immoral ways.
Soon, the bishop of Krakow had seen enough, and he called out the king for his unjust and evil governing. He excommunicated the king, no longer allowing him to participate in the life of the Church.
Boleslaus was outraged. He sent his men to kill the bishop. However, upon getting up to St. Stanislaus, the men’s hearts softened and couldn’t harm him.
The king took it upon himself, so while the bishop was saying Mass, Boleslaus ran up to the sanctuary and killed him.
The Polish people overthrew Boleslaus, and Wladyslaw Herman became their king.
