By CNA Staff
CNA Staff, Apr 11, 2025 / 04:00 am
April 11 marks the commemoration of St. Stanislaus of Krakow, an 11th-century bishop and martyr who sacrificed his life for the faith, standing up against King Boleslaus II.
Canonized in 1253, St. Stanislaus is revered as a patron of the Polish people, with his feast day celebrated on May 8 in his homeland. Pope John Paul II, who held the Archbishopric of Krakow before his papacy, frequently praised St. Stanislaus for his unwavering faith and moral teachings.
St. Stanislaus, born in 1030 near Krakow, came from a noble family known for their devout Catholicism. After studying theology and canon law in Paris, he inherited a significant fortune from his parents, which he selflessly distributed to the less fortunate.
Upon his ordination to the priesthood, Stanislaus took on various roles within the Church of Krakow before reluctantly becoming its bishop in 1071. Despite his initial reluctance, he fearlessly preached the Gospel, earning him the ire of King Boleslaus II, known for his immoral behavior.
St. Stanislaus’s steadfast commitment to upholding God’s law and defending the rights of all individuals led to a confrontation with the king, ultimately resulting in his martyrdom in 1079.
