Homily: Feast of St. Stanislaus

Feast of St. Stanislaus (Jn 3:31-36) “Defender of the Church”

St. Stanislaus lived in Poland from 1030-79. He was the Archbishop of Krakow. He was ordained priest and was a canon of the Cathedral. He was appointed a bishop in 1072.

St. Stanislaus was a great preacher. He was a reformer of the clergy. He was known to be a great benefactor of the poor. He was the most influential churchman in Poland, but then things began to deteriorate.

At first, he was on good terms with King Boleslaus, but conflict developed. Some would question whether Stanislaus suffered because of championing the faith or whether he was on the wrong side of a political fight.

Boleslaus was a corrupt king. Stanislaus pointed out and spoke out against him. Boleslaus had a brother named Ladislaus who wanted to take the throne away. Boleslaus wanted support from the archbishop which Stanislaus would not give him.

The situation became very stressful. Finally, Boleslaus came to the Cathedral. He interrupted the services. Stanislaus fled into a side chapel. Boleslaus ordered his soldiers to kill the archbishop. The soldiers refused. Boleslaus went into the chapel and killed Stanislaus.

After this happened, the whole country was put under interdict. No one could receive sacraments. Boleslaus had to leave the country and lived a life of penance in a monastery the rest of his life.

Stanislaus is viewed in the same light as Thomas Becket and Thomas More and others who have died upholding the rights of the church. He is a hero to the Polish people who have endured so much persecution through the centuries.

Reflection Questions:

1.    What does it mean to be a martyr for the faith? Was Stanislaus a martyr?

2.   Why would Poles revere Stanislaus? What persecution did they endure in the 20th century?

 Dear Parishioners,

             Please pray for our eighth graders as their confirmation approaches. Confirmation will be April 28th. There will be 47 confirmands and Bishop Tylka will be celebrating with us. This is always a big moment in a young person’s life. Hopefully, it is a turning point in our relationship with Jesus.

            Pray for all those preparing the ceremony and for those who are catechizing our young people.

            May Our Lady of Peace pray for our war-torn world.

            Fr. Mark