Stanislaus of Krakow

(from May 8)

was born at Szczepanów in the Diocese of Krakow, Poland 26 July, 1030 and consecrated bishop of Krakow in 1072.

He is the patron of Poland, and was known for his fervent preaching of the Gospel, for his almsgiving to the poor, and for his refusal to compromise the Faith on issues concerning morals.

The king of Poland, Boleslas II, murdered Stanislaus in response to Stanislaus' reprimand of him for the abduction to the palace of a nobleman's wife and for the harsh rule he meted out on his subjects.

Tradition says that the king killed Stanislaus at KraKow, 8 May, 1079 with his own hand, while the saint was celebrating mass.

Stanislaus' life and stedfastness makes us moderns contemplate, "What am I willing to do, for the defense of the Faith?"


Propers for Stanislas of Poland - Bishop, Martyr and Patron.

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst strengthen thy blessed bishop and martyr Stanislas with the virtue of constancy in faith and truth: Grant us in like manner for love of thee to despise the prosperity of this world, and to fear none of its adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The Epistle - Wisdom 5:1-5.

THEN shall the righteous man stand in great boldness before the face of such as have afflicted him, and made no account of his labours. When they see it, they shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the strangeness of his salvation, so far beyond all that they looked for. And they repenting and groaning for anguish of spirit shall say within themselves, This was he, whom we had sometimes in derision, and a proverb of reproach; We fools accounted his life madness, and his end to be without honour: How is he numbered among the children of God, and his lot is among the saints!


The Gospel - St. Matthew 10:16-22.

BEHOLD, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall he brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.


Reference and Resources:

http://www.episcopalnet.org/Saints/May7Stanislas.html

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