During Wednesday’s General Audience, Pope Francis encouraged Poles to defend evangelical values, following the example of Saint Stanislaw, the country’s Patron.
Greeting the Poles present in St. Peter’s Square, the Pontiff evoked the feast of the Bishop of Krakow — martyred in the year 1079 –, celebrated this May 8. “In the image of the Good Shepherd, defending evangelical values and the moral order, he sacrificed his life for his sheep and shed the blood of martyrdom.”
“May his example encourage all of us to be able in any circumstance of life, to be faithful to Christ, to His cross and to the Gospel,” added the Successor of Peter.
“While I entrust to your prayer the now close pilgrimage to Fatima, I bless you from my heart,” concluded the Pontiff.
Saint Stanislaw of Krakow is celebrated in the general calendar in the month of April, but on May 8 in Poland. Indefatigable Pastor, he confronted King Boleslas II, whom he exhorted to conjugal fidelity and respect for women. The obstinacy of this King, who had no scruples in confiscating the Church’s properties, added to his immoral behavior, merited him excommunication.
Boleslas II responded by condemning the Bishop to death, who was murdered on April 11, 1079, while celebrating Mass in Saint Michael’s church. His body was quartered, but the furious population threw the monarch out of the country.
