This week in Christian history: Notre Dame fire, Polish bishop martyred, NRB founded

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, April 10, 2022

Saint Stanislaus martyred – April 11, 1079

Saint Stanislaus (1030-1079), a Polish bishop who was martyred for objecting to the unjust actions of Polish King Boleslaus II. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Saint Stanislaus, a bishop known for his speaking out against the unjust actions of a Polish king, was martyred for his beliefs.

A native of Szczepanow, which is located near Kraków, Stanislaus became a bishop in 1072 and was known to be a fierce critic of the Polish King Boleslaus II, calling for him to repent.

“The king first excused himself, then made a show of penance, then relapsed into his old ways,” explained Franciscan Media, who compared Stanislaus to the likes of Sir Thomas More and Archbishop Thomas a Becket.

“Stanislaus continued his open opposition in spite of charges of treason and threats of death, finally excommunicating the king. Enraged, the latter ordered soldiers to kill the bishop. When they refused, the king killed Stanislaus with his own hands.