St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr (1030-1079)
(Franciscan Media) Anyone who reads the history of Eastern Europe cannot help but chance on the name ‘Stanislaus’ the Bishop of Poland Krakow, who died for his faith in Jesus Christ at the hands of King Boleslaus II
Born in Poland Szczepanow in the Diocese of Krakow according to EWTN in 1030 his parents members of the nobility showed great zeal and charity in their Catholic lives. Their son studied for a time in Poland and then went on to learn theology and Canon law in Paris. The death of his parents left him a large inheritance which he gave away to the poor.
Following Stanislaus ordination as a Priest, he served the Church in Krakow in various pastoral and administrative posts–following the death of the Diocese’s leader Bishop Lambert Zula, Fr. Stanislaus was chosen his successor.
Bishop Stanislaus worked tirelessly for the Diocese and denounced vices regardless of consequence. About this time, Boelslaus had become King of Poland who was becoming notorious for his violent and depraved lifestyle. After a series of disputes over his scandalous behavior, atrocious cruelty and unbridled lust, Bishop Stanislaus found no success in his efforts to help King Boelslaus see the error in his ways and reform himself.
Sparing neither tears nor prayer and admonitions to King Boleslaus to lead a more Christian life, Boleslaus was excommunicated and the Canons of the Cathedral were instructed to discontinue the Divine Offices in case the King should attempt to enter. Bishop Stanislaus then retired to the Chapel of St. Michael to celebrate Mass.
King Boleslaus became furious with Bishop Stanislaus and sent his guards to murder him, when they proved unwilling or unable to do so, Boleslaus took matters into his own hands and struck Bishop Stanislaus down with a sword during the Celebration of Mass. Bishop Stanislaus was soon thereafter acclaimed as a Martyr while Boleslaus II lost his grip on power and left Poland–In later years, the fallen Monarch is said to lived out his days in a Monastery repenting for the murder.
Bishop Stanislaus was Canonized in 1253 by Pope Innocent IV
Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings — Memorial of St. Stanislaus -USCCB