His Word Today: Saint Stansław

Saint Stanisław, by Ardith Starkostka

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates one of the most well-known Polish saints.  Saint Stanisław (Stanislaus) was born at Szczepanów, a village in Lesser Poland, the only son of the noble and pious Wielisław and Bogna. He was educated at a cathedral school in Gniezno (then the capital of Poland) and later, according to different sources, in Paris or Liège. On his return to Poland, Stanisław was ordained a priest by Lambert II Suła, who was Bishop of Kraków at the time.

After Bishop Suła's death (1072), Stanisław was elected his successor but accepted the office only at the explicit command of Pope Alexander II. Stanisław was one of the earliest native Polish bishops. He also became a ducal advisor and had some influence on Polish politics.

Stanisław's major accomplishments included bringing papal legates (representatives) to Poland, and re-establishing of a Metropolitan See in Gniezno: a precondition for Duke Bolesław's coronation as king, which took place in 1076. Stanisław then encouraged King Bolesław to establish Benedictine monasteries to aid in the Christianization of Poland.

Even today, walking through the streets of Kraków, visitors can feel the faith that unites the people of that nation, and Stansław played a big part in that rich history.  His body is buried in the Cathedral of Kraków (known as the Wawel Cathedral).  Kneeling in prayer in that holy place, visitors can almost hear the words of this holy man who preached so many times within those walls, speaking the words that we still hear in today's gospel: God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life (Jn 3:16).  May Saint Stanisław intercede for us today so that we may constantly strive to grow in our faith and gratitude for our God's constant and abiding love.

Have a great day.