St. Stanislaus

Patron Saint of Poland and Krakow

St. Stanislaus was an 11th century bishop and martyr. Born into Polish nobility, he entered the priesthood and later became Bishop of Krakow. He was a sought-after advisor because of his grasp on morality and issues of the day. He criticized the immorality of King Boleslaw, King of Poland, and eventually excommunicated him. The King accused Bishop Stanislaus of treason and had his men go to kill him. When the king’s men refused, the King killed Bishop Stanislaus himself while he was celebrating Mass. As the first native Polish saint, Stanislaus is a patron saint of Poland and Krakow. His relics are venerated in Wawel Cathedral and he is remembered like Thomas Becket and Thomas More for denouncing corruption in government.