Saint Stanisław Kazimierczyk
Lateran canon in Kraków known for helping the poor and for Eucharistic devotion
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Priest, Religious
- Life
- 1433 – 1489
- Era
- 15th century
- Feast
- 3 May
- Countries
- Poland
Life story
Stanisław Sołtys was born on 27 September 1433 in Kazimierz, now a district of Kraków. He studied at the Jagiellonian University and took a bachelor's degree in 1451. In 1456 he entered the Canons Regular of the Lateran at Corpus Christi Church in Kraków, taking the name Kazimierczyk, and was ordained a priest the same year.
Within the community he served as vice-prior and novice master, and he was a preacher and confessor. The order's own materials describe him as austere, deeply devoted to the Eucharist, and active in caring for the poor and sick of Kraków. According to one biography he defended belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist against some Polish followers of Wycliffe and Hus.
He died on 3 May 1489 in Kraków and was buried in Corpus Christi Church, where his tomb quickly drew pilgrims.
Pope John Paul II beatified him in 1993. Pope Benedict XVI canonised him on 17 October 2010 in St Peter's Square. His feast is 3 May, and 5 May in Poland.
Works and witness
- Studied at the Jagiellonian University, bachelor's degree in 1451
- Entered the Canons Regular of the Lateran in 1456 and was ordained
- Served as vice-prior, novice master, preacher and confessor
- Cared for the poor and sick of Kraków
- Canonised on 17 October 2010
Saints from the same country
References
- Polish Breviary blog, May 5: St Stanislaus of Kazimierz (polishbreviary.wordpress.com, liturgical reading)
- Wikipedia, Stanisław Kazimierczyk (cross-check for offices and dates)
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.