St. Stanislaus (Stanisław Szczepanowski or Saint Stanislaus of Szczepanów) (July 26, 1030 – April 11, 1079) was a Bishop of Kraków known chiefly for having been martyred by Polish King Bolesław II the Bold. Stanisław is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church as Saint Stanislaus the Martyr (to distinguish him from Saint Stanislaus Kostka).St. Stanislaus is considered one of the "Great Saints of Poland" and is depicted above our altar. He is remembered with Saints Thomas More and Thomas Becket for vigorous opposition to the evils of an unjust government.
Born in Szczepanow near Kraków on July 26, 1030, he was ordained a priest after being educated in the cathedral schools of Gniezno, then capital of Poland, and at Paris. He was appointed preacher and archdeacon to the bishop of Kraków, where his eloquence and example brought about real conversion in many of his penitents, both clergy and laity. He became bishop of Kraków in 1072.
During an expedition against the Grand Duchy of Kiev, Stanislaus became involved in the political situation of Poland. Known for his outspokenness, he aimed his attacks at the evils of the peasantry and the king, especially the unjust wars and immoral acts of King Boleslaus II.
The king first excused himself, then made a show of penance, then relapsed into his old ways. Stanislaus continued his open opposition in spite of charges of treason and threats of death, finally excommunicating the king. The king became enraged, and ordered soldiers to kill the bishop. When the soldiers refused, the king killed him himself with his own hands.
Forced to flee to Hungary, King Boleslaus supposedly spent the rest of his life as a penitent in the Benedictine abbey in Osiak.
Father, to honor You, Saint Stanislaus faced martyrdom with courage.
Keep us strong and loyal in our faith until death.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. +Amen.
SOURCES:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanislaus_of_Szczepan%C3%B3w
http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1350
MORE INFO:
http://www.stfrancisenid.com/Saints/04%20-%20April/Month/11%20Saint%20Stanislaus%20of%20Cracow.htm