Stanislaus of Szczepanów

Stanis?aw Szczepanowski or Stanislaus of Szczepanów (July 26, 1030 – April 11?, 1079) was a bishop of Kraków known mostly for having been slain by King Boleslaus the Bold. He is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church as Saint Stanislaus.

Veneration as a saint

Cults of Saint Stanislaus as a martyr began immediately after his death. In 1088 his relics were translated (i.e. moved) into the Wawel cathedral in Kraków. In early 13th century Bishop Iwo Odrow?? began preparations to Stanislaus's canonization and ordered Wincenty of Kielce to write the martyr's vita. Finally, Stanislaus was canonized by Pope Innocent IV on September 17, 1253 in Assisi. Pope Clement VIII set the saint's commemoration day on May 7 for the whole Church, though in Kraków it is observed on May 8, the alleged anniversary of the bishop's death. The first feast of Saint Stanislaus in Kraków took place on May 8, 1254, and was attended by numerous Polish bishops and princes.

Related Topics:
Martyr - 1088 - Translated - Wawel - 13th century - Iwo Odrow?? - Canonization - Pope Innocent IV - September 17 - 1253 - Assisi - Pope Clement VIII - May 7 - May 8 - 1254

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As the first native Polish saint, Stanislaus is a patron of Poland and Kraków, as well as some Polish dioceses. He shares the patronage of Poland with Saint Adalbert of Prague and Our Lady the Queen of Poland. His veneration had a great patriotic significance. In the times of feudal fragmentation it was believed that Poland would one day reunite just like the members of Saint Stanislaus's body joined together. The Wawel cathedral, which hosts the saint's relics, has become one of the major national shrines. Almost all kings from Wladislaus the Short on were crowned while kneeling in front of Stanislaus's sarcophagus which stands in the middle of the church. In the 17th century, King Wladislaus IV Vasa founded an ornate silver coffin to hold the relics. It was destroyed by Swedish troops during the Deluge but a new one was put in its place ca. 1670.

Related Topics:
Adalbert of Prague - Our Lady - Feudal fragmentation - Wladislaus the Short - 17th century - Wladislaus IV Vasa - The Deluge - 1670

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Every year on May 8, a procession, led by the bishop of Kraków, goes from the Wawel to the Church on the Rock. Once a local event, the procession was popularized in the 20th century by Polish Primate Stefan Wyszy?ski and Archbishop of Kraków, Karol Wojty?a. The latter, as Pope John Paul II, called Saint Stanislaus the patron saint of moral order.

Related Topics:
20th century - Primate - Stefan Wyszy?ski - Pope John Paul II

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Roman Catholic churches belonging to Polish communities outside Poland are often dedicated to Saint Stanislaus.

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In iconography, Saint Stanislaus is usually depicted as a bishop with a sword (the tool of his martyrdom) in his hand, sometimes with Piotr rising from the dead at his feet.

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