In Search of Identity – Unraveling the Patron Saint of Poland

I need to tell you that Poland has an interesting history when it comes to patrons. Over the centuries, Poland has been guided by a number of saints. Saints like Florian, Wenceslas, Casimir the Prince, Jacek Odrowąż, Kinga, John Cantius, Jan of Dukla, and Wladyslaw from Goleniów were not only considered patrons of Poland in the past, but also held in high esteem. If you want to know more, other figures like Queen Jadwiga, Hedwig of Silesia, Bronislaw, and Bishop Jozafat Kuncewicz were also cherished.

Today’s Holy Patrons of Poland

Let’s shift to the present day. Currently, Poland’s spiritual guidance comes from five saints, divided into two categories – three primary and two secondary.

The leading spiritual figures for Poland are the Mother of God, along with Saint Wojciech and Saint Stanisław, two holy martyr bishops. I believe it is worth to say that Pope John XXIII officially confirmed these figures as Poland’s primary patrons, a recognition long held by the Polish people. These patrons are celebrated at special times in Jasna Góra and Krakow, where faithful Poles gather in large numbers to commemorate their spiritual protectors.

One of the newer patrons, St. Andrzej Bobola, was declared a patron by the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in 2002. I can tell you that he, along with St. Stanisław Kostka, form what’s known as the secondary patrons of Poland.

John Paul II’s Interpretation of Poland’s Patrons

John Paul II, throughout his time as both the Archbishop of Krakow and later as Pope, often spoke of the relationship between the church, the nation, and the love of the homeland – patriotism. He often emphasized the importance of the patrons of Poland in these discussions.

Mary, the Holy Mother

Among these, the Mother of God, still the main patron of Poland, holds a special place in Polish hearts. The Polish people have long viewed Mary as their Mother and Queen, and I am convinced you’d find it interesting that the Marian hymn „Bogurodzica” was even considered the informal anthem of the country.

I think it’s important to note a significant event in Polish history, the Swedish Deluge and the successful defense of Jasna Góra, was attributed to the intervention of Mary. This led King John Casimir to proclaim Mary as the Queen of his countries, placing the Kingdom of Poland under her special protection in a moving ceremony at the Lviv cathedral.

A Celebration of the Mother of God

After Poland regained its independence in 1918, the Polish Episcopate appealed to the Holy See to institute a holiday dedicated to the „Queen of Poland”. Pope Benedict XV granted this request in 1920, in the year Karol Wojtyła was born.

However, several times after World War II, the Polish nation rededicated itself to the Mother of God, following in the footsteps of John Casimir. These ceremonies took place at Jasna Góra in 1945 and 1946, and again in 1966.

Mary – The Mother Of God

In John Paul II’s teachings, Mary, the Mother of God, held a special place as the intercessor of Poles, the queen of Poland, and his own adoptive mother. The devotion John Paul II had for Mary started in his childhood and stayed with him throughout his life. He invoked her protection over his people, as expressed in his papal maxim – Totus Tuus, or in English, „All yours, Mary”. I know for a fact that Jasna Góra, Poland’s national sanctuary and home to the icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa, had a special place in John Paul II’s heart.

Jasna Góra has earned the title of being Poland’s spiritual capital. If you were to visit, you’d see that people from every corner of the country make their pilgrimage to this holy site. It’s here that they find unity with Christ through the heart of His Mother.

I can tell you this, the image of Jasna Góra is more than just a symbol. It represents the spiritual unity of Poles all over the world. It’s worth to say, it’s a kind of emblem of Polish spirituality and signifies Poland’s place in the grand family of Christian nations, all unified in the Church. This reign of the Mother, through her image at Jasna Góra, is something truly wonderful.

A Plea for Hope

In today’s world, hope is something we all need, especially the people on this Polish land. But what is hope? It means, „Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good!” (Romans 12:21). I believe that evil can be defeated, and this belief is the power of hope.

Mary, the Queen of Poland, is asked to provide this „victorious hope” for all her people. I think, in our current times, hope seems to be under the greatest threat, but it’s also the most indispensable. Hope is man’s strength, it makes him strong, even in the face of suffering and trials. I am convinced that it’s the Lady of Jasna Góra who can help the people on Polish soil to overcome with the power of hope, which comes from Christ and the Eucharist.

To conclude, it is a beautiful belief that Christ „loved us to the end” (cf. Jn 13:1). The spiritual journey of Poland is a testament to this love, reflected in the patrons who have guided and protected the nation throughout history. So, whether you’re a believer or not, the story of Poland’s spiritual guardians offers an intriguing perspective on the nation’s history and identity.

St. Stanislaus – The Brave Bishop

Imagine being in a time where kings ruled with an iron fist and everyone was expected to toe the line. Picture this, you’re a bishop, and you are expected to be submissive to the king’s orders. But let me say, our hero in this story, St. Stanislaus of Szczepanów, the bishop of Krakow, chose a different path.

I can tell you, it didn’t end well for him. The king himself, King Bolesław the Bold, allegedly murdered him right at the altar during mass. Now, this is not a tale to scare you, but an account of a man’s bravery.

Historians still argue about the actual course of events, and it remains a topic of great debate. However, I am convinced, and I think you’ll agree, that the narrative of St. Stanislaus stood the test of time. He came to symbolize resistance to the arbitrary and ruthless rule of the authorities, a martyr defending his subjects, even in the face of death.

An Enduring Legacy

In 1253, Pope Innocent IV canonized St. Stanislaus. I believe his legacy continues to shine through in the legend of his dismembered body’s healing. It’s worth mentioning, in the 13th and 14th centuries, the legend played a key role in shaping the idea of uniting a divided Poland. It symbolized the hope that, like St. Stanislaus’s body, the divided Kingdom of Poland would reunite and emerge stronger.

Now, if you’re interested in more recent admirers of St. Stanislaus, let me tell you about John Paul II. He held a deep devotion for St. Stanislaus, penning an intimate poem about him just before the conclave in 1978.

Celebrations and Homage

During his tenure as Archbishop of Krakow in 1972, John Paul II initiated a seven-year-long novena leading up to the 900th anniversary of St. Stanislaus’s death. It was intended to prepare the Church for the celebrations and to rekindle the Christian and Polish identity of the faithful. However, the main festivities were delayed until after John Paul II’s election as Pope.

A Short but Significant Reign

I know St. Stanislaus served as the bishop of Krakow for only seven years. Yet, in this brief period, he left a lasting legacy. He ascended to this position in 1072 and was tragically killed by King Bolesław the Bold in 1079. We commemorate his death on April 11, as per the liturgical calendar of the universal Church. However, in Poland, the feast of the Bishop Martyr has long been associated with May 8 and remains so.

St. Adalbert (Wojciech) – Patron of Poland

It’s not every day you get to hear a tale as incredible as that of St. Adalbert. Born into a powerful Czech family, Adalbert turned his back on the world of influence and wealth. Instead, he chose a path of service and became a bishop. Feeling a calling to spread his faith, he set off on a mission to share his beliefs with pagans.

Imagine, back in the spring of 997, he journeyed first to Gdańsk and then probably around what is now Elbląg. Unfortunately, his mission ended in martyrdom. His devotion and ultimate sacrifice quickly sparked a following, not just in Poland, but also in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, and other parts of Europe.

I am convinced this was due in part to the actions of the Polish king, Bolesław the Brave. He purchased Adalbert’s body from the Prussians using gold and ordered a proper burial in Gniezno. Furthermore, Emperor Otto III, upon hearing of Adalbert’s death, requested his canonization from the Pope.

A Saint in the Making

I believe it is worth noting how the process of Adalbert’s canonization took place. Eyewitness accounts of Adalbert’s last journey were compiled, most notably those of Bl. Radzim and Benedict. This compilation formed the basis for Adalbert’s sanctification.

Pope Sylvester II then did something extraordinary – he declared Adalbert a saint before the year 999. It was a first, as previously only local bishops could declare saints. Adalbert’s feast day was set on April 23, the day of his death.

St. Adalbert – A Polish Patron

St. Adalbert, or as he’s known in Poland, St. Wojciech, became a vital figure for the Church in Poland. If you’re a fan of trivia, here are some fun facts: St. Wojciech is the patron saint of several Archdioceses, including Gniezno, Gdańsk, Warmia, and the Diocese of Koszalin-Kołobrzeg. Various cities, including Gniezno, Trzemeszna, and Serock, also claim him as their patron.

In Gniezno, you can find the famous Gniezno Doors, an exquisite piece of artistry with 18 bronze bas-reliefs depicting scenes from St. Wojciech’s life. His life was also penned down by St. Bruno Boniface of Querfurt, another Benedictine monk and martyr.

The Legacy of St. Adalbert

John Paul II often made references to St. Wojciech, especially during visits to Gniezno, the oldest Polish capital. Two occasions stand out in particular. The first was his pilgrimage to Lech Hill in Gniezno in 1979, and the second was a solemn mass for the 1000th anniversary of St. Wojciech’s martyrdom in 1997.

Being there, you need to know that we are at the very heart of Wojciech’s millennial journey. The journey began in Prague and Libice, where Adalbert originated. And it ends here in Gniezno, the final destination of his earthly pilgrimage.

A Seed That Grew Into a Church

When the first historical ruler of Poland set out to introduce Christianity and align with the See of St. Peter, he sought help from his kin. He married Dąbrówka, a Christian daughter of the Bohemian prince Bolesław, who became godmother to her husband and his subjects. Following this, missionaries from Ireland, Italy, Germany, and other parts of Europe began pouring into Poland.

Among these missionaries, St. Wojciech stood out. I know you might be curious about his history. He was a son of the Czech nation, a shepherd for his people, and his tales from his time as a bishop in Prague and his pilgrimages to Rome are quite well known.

However, it was his stay at the Gniezno court of Bolesław that prepared him for his final missionary journey up north. Near the Baltic Sea, this exiled Bishop, this tireless missionary, became the seed which had to fall and die in order to bear much fruit.

The Unforgotten Martyr

I can tell you this, the martyrdom of St. Wojciech, the apostle and bishop, has a special significance. It sealed the baptism received by our forefathers a thousand years ago. His sacrifice laid the foundations of Christianity throughout Poland. St. Wojciech’s relics, which are regarded as a great treasure of our nation, are a testament to his enduring legacy.

His story and his teachings continue to inspire and guide us today. So, if you ever find yourself in Gniezno, make it a point to visit the tomb of St. Wojciech. There, you’ll feel the weight of a millennium of faith, struggle, and devotion. And who knows, you might find yourself inspired by the tale of this incredible saint.

St. Stanisław Kostka – Patron for the Young

Let me tell you about St. Stanisław Kostka, a man of many tales. Born in 1550, Stanisław hailed from a very affluent noble family. His father held the prestigious position of the castellan of Zakroczym. When he was only 18, Stanisław did something quite unexpected – he left his studies in Vienna and joined the convent, all without his parents’ nod.

His unwavering piety and devotion to the Mother of God had already marked him as someone extraordinary. Stories of his visions were well known, and he had a particular fondnes for the Virgin Mary. His life, however, was cut short, and he passed away in 1568, shortly after taking his monastic vows.

I think it’s worth mentioning that his reputation as a devout and pious individual was so well-regarded that his cult was born immediately after his death. He was beatified in 1606 by Pope Paul V, making him the first blessed of the Society of Jesus. His beatification was not the end of his journey, as Pope Clement X declared him one of the patrons of the Polish Crown and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in 1674.

From Beatification to Canonization

After a few bumps in the road, his canonization ceremony finally took place on December 31, 1726, performed by Benedict XIV. What an eventful journey, don’t you think?

If you want to know how St. Stanisław continues to inspire, look no further than 1962. That year, Pope John XXIII named him as a special patron of Polish youth. The same year, the Pope invited bishops participating in the Second Vatican Council to the sanctuary of St. Stanisław Kostka in the Roman church on Quirinal Hill.

St. Stanisław Kostka’s influence touched many, including Fr. Karol Wojtyła. While studying in Rome between 1946-1948, Wojtyła visited the tomb of St. Stanisław Kostka nearly every day, praying and seeking guidance. This habit remained with him even when he became the Archbishop of Krakow, often remembering St. Stanisław, especially during his liturgical memorial.

A Spiritual Heritage for the Youth

Wojtyła often addressed the youth in his homilies, reminding them of the words of St. Stanisław, „I am made for higher things”. This phrase has become a beacon for young people, encouraging them to strive for greatness.

St. Stanisław’s life wasn’t easy, despite his family’s wealth and status. He faced numerous challenges, much like many young people in Poland today. However, as he once said, „I am made for higher things”. He believed that everyone has a purpose and a higher calling, and this belief serves as a guiding principle for today’s youth.

St. Stanisław’s deep devotion to the Holy Mother resonates especially with us, the Polish nation. He held a great love for the Holy Mother, a bond shared by him and his countrymen since birth.

So, if you’re ever in Płock, one of the Piast capitals of our country, remember to visit the ancient episcopal see. There, you can learn about God’s and human truth from Christ, just as St. Stanisław Kostka and many others have done over the centuries.

St. Andrzej Bobola

Born in 1591, St. Andrzej Bobola was a Polish Jesuit who came from a noble lineage. He was particularly renowned as a preacher and a missionary, and his work took him far and wide across Poland. His missions led him to Podlasie, Łomża, and the borderlands of today’s Lithuania and Belarus, including the cities of Nieświz, Vilnius, and Pińsk.

A staunch supporter and active implementer of the Union of Brest, Bobola worked relentlessly to bring Orthodox Christians back into the fold of Rome through the creation of the Eastern Catholic rite. His evangelization efforts in the region of Pińszczyzna were so intense that he became known as the region’s apostle.

During the tumultuous period of the Khmelnytsky Uprising in 1657, St. Andrzej was captured by the Cossacks. He was subjected to brutal torture and ultimately martyred. Despite this horrific end, his legacy lived on and he was beatified in 1853 by Pope Pius IX. In 1938, Pope Pius XI canonized him and declared him the principal patron of the Pińsk diocese.

A Martyr’s Legacy

In that same year, a pilgrimage was undertaken with the coffin carrying his relics throughout Poland. The faithful flocked to venerate the remains of this celebrated martyr. Among the witnesses of these events in Kraków was an 18-year-old Karol Wojtyła, whose encounter with the holy martyr left a lasting impression.

Fast forward to May 16, 1957, on the 300th anniversary of his martyrdom, Pope Pius XII issued the encyclical Invicti athletae Christi („The Invincible Strongman of Christ”). This remarkable document, the only one of its kind in history dedicated entirely to one saint, celebrated the heroic love and apostolic work of St. Andrzej.

St Andrzej Bobola – Patron Saint of Poland

Nearly half a century later, on May 16, 2002, Pope John Paul II established St. Andrzej Bobola as the patron saint of Poland. Reminiscing about his encounter with the relics of the saint in 1938, he remarked, „The memory of that meeting with the holy martyr remains indelible for me„.

St. Andrzej’s life, for Pope John Paul II, symbolizes a significant period in Polish history—a time of unity in the Republic of Three Nations, where Latin and Eastern Christianity coexisted under the Union. St. Andrzej’s unblemished body, revered by both Catholic and Orthodox believers, was seen as a divine sign and a promise of a reunion between Christians of the West and the East.

As we commemorate the feast of St. Andrzej Bobola, we join the Church in praying for the union of Christians, echoing Jesus’ prayer, „that they may be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you„. St. Andrzej remains not just a symbol of our past, but also a beacon of hope for a more united future.

St. John Paul II – A Potential Patron Saint of Poland

Following the canonization of John Paul II, discussions and conjectures have proliferated concerning the potential of designating him as a patron for particular causes, communities, or places. Among the possibilities considered are his patronage for those advocating for the sanctity of human life, for youth, and even for athletes. On April 27, 2014, during the canonization, Pope Francis declared St. John Paul II as the patron saint of families.

Further contemplations have risen regarding whether John Paul II would be acknowledged by the Church as the succeeding patron of Poland. The arguments for such a proposition are multifaceted:

• The Polish Pope was a product of the Polish Church, often asserting that he carried forward the works of influential figures in Polish Church history such as St. Bishop Stanislaus, Cardinal Adam Sapieha, and Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński, known as the Primate of the Millennium.
• He frequently cited the influence of his Polish heritage on the trajectory of his pontificate.
• His profound love for his country, its people, history, and culture was unmistakable. He was regarded as a Polish patriot, advocating for patriotism within faith, acknowledging the role of one’s homeland in personal development and one’s duties towards it, and emphasizing the importance of national culture and openness towards other nations.
• He actively supported Poland and its people during numerous challenging times, expressing solidarity, advocating for Polish rights during martial law, influencing Poland’s emergence from communism, and advocating for Poland’s rightful place in Europe during its integration process.
• St. John Paul II frequently offered Poland and its people to God, also through the intercession of Mary, fostering the hope that he continues to intercede on our behalf from heaven.

While no official pronouncements have yet been made by the Church, only time will tell whether St. John Paul II will be recognized among the patrons of Poland.

In one of his speeches at Okęcie Airport, Warsaw, on June 16, 1983, he poignantly remarked, „The first word, spoken in silence and on his knees, was the kiss of this earth: homeland… Poland is a special mother. Its history is not easy, especially over the last centuries. She is a mother who has suffered a lot and is still suffering anew. Therefore, she has the right to a special love”.

As he concluded his pilgrimage to Poland, to Krakow, he said, „I am glad that this culmination of the visit takes place precisely in Calvary, at the feet of Mary… May her love be an abundant source of graces for our country and its inhabitants„. And he asked for continued prayers, both during his life and after his death, promising that he would reciprocate the kindnes by commending everyone to the Merciful Christ and His Mother.

References

• http://www.piotrawin.pl/piotrawin/jpii.html
• http://www.niedziela.pl/artykul/9067/Jan-Pawel-II-nowym-patronem-Polski
• http://www.deon.pl/wiadomosci/komentarze-opinie/art,704,nowy-patron-polski.html