Stanislaus was born at Szczepanów, a village in Lesser Poland and was the only son of his parents Wielisław and Bogna. He was ordained as priest by Lambert II Suła, Bishop of Kraków. Being a well-known preacher, he was appointed as pastor of Czembocz near Kraków and subsequently as canon and preacher at the cathedral and later as vicar-general. In 1072, he was elected as the Bishop of Kraków.

He incurred the enmity of King Boleslaus when he denounced the King's cruelties and injustices, especially the kidnapping of the beautiful wife of a nobleman. Stanislaus’ initial conflict with the King was over a land dispute. The Bishop had purchased a piece of land for the diocese on the banks of the Vistula river near Lublin from a certain Peter. However, after Peter's death, the land was claimed by his family. The King ruled in favor of the claimants and according to legend, Stanislaus resurrected Peter so that he could confirm that he had sold the land to the bishop.

A more substantial conflict with King Boleslaus arose after a prolonged war in Ruthenia, when weary warriors deserted and went home, alarmed at the news that their overseers were taking over their estates and wives. The King punished the soldiers' faithless wives very cruelly. The bishop vehemently opposed this cruel act and had in fact criticized the King for his own sexual immorality.

Stanislaus excommunicated the King and an infuriated Boleslaus had sent his men to execute the bishop. However, when the soldiers didn't dare to touch the bishop, the King decided to kill the bishop himself. He is said to have slain Stanislaus while he was celebrating Mass in the Skałka outside the walls of Kraków. The guards then cut the bishop's body into pieces and scattered them to be devoured by wild beasts. According to tradition, his body parts miraculously reintegrated.

The murder stirred outrage throughout the country and eventually led to the dethronement of King Boleslaus, who had to seek refuge in Hungary.

Stanislaus was canonized by Pope Innocent IV in 1253 and is revered as the principle patron of Kraków.

Other Saints of the Day

1. Saint Antipas
2. Saint Barsanuphius
3. Saint Machai
4. Saint Philip of Gortyna
5. Saint Gemma Galgani

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