St. Stanislaus Church

St. Stanislaus

(1030-1079)

Bishop of Krakow; Martyr; Patron Saint of Poland; Our Patron Feast Day is April 11

Stanislaus Szczepanoski was the answer to his aged parents prayers and as a result they guided him on the path to a religious vocation.  Upon his parents' death, Stanislaus gave away his fortune to the poor.  He was ordained a priest by Lambert II Sula, Bishop of Krakow. Following his ordination, he was given a canonry in Kraków and became widely known for his preaching. He was subsequently made pastor of Czembocz, canon and preacher at the cathedral, and later, vicar-general.

After the Bishop's death (1072), Stanislaus was elected his successor but accepted the office only at the explicit command of Pope Alexander II. Stanislaus was one of the earliest native Polish bishops.  He was a champion of the poor and an inspired preacher.  As a result, a great moral reformation took place in Poland and many conversions took place among his followers.

During the time Stanislaus served as bishop, he repeatedly reprimanded the ruler of Poland, King Boleslaus for his scandalous behavior; eventually excommunicating the king from the Church.  Enraged, the king ordered his guards to kill Stanislaus.  Entering the church where Stanislaus was saying Mass, the sguards were frightened by a heavenly light that protected Stanislaus and did not dare touch him.  The King decided to kill the bishop himself and after slaying him, his guards cut the bishop's body into pieces and scattered them to be devoured by wild beasts.  According to the legend, the pieces of his body were miraculously reintegrated while guarded by four heavenly eagles.