By Theresa Doyle-Nelson
For Today’s Catholic
Most citizens of Bandera County are probably familiar with the name, “Saint Stanislaus.” Chances are the name reminds them of the picturesque church found in the town of Bandera. Many may wonder, however, who this saint was. What were some events in the life of this man, and why was the small Catholic Church named after him? Just by visiting Saint Stanislaus Church on 7th Street in Bandera, you can “view” some of the happenings in the life of this man through some lovely paintings on the church walls. However, a little bit of extra information can make his story a bit clearer and rather intriguing.
Saint Stanislaus of Kraków (in Poland) was actually born in a village called Szczepanów (also in Poland) in 1030. He was the only child of an elderly and well-to-do couple. This couple prayed many years for a child, and when God blessed them with Stanislaus, they worked hard to lead their son to a good and devout life. Their efforts proved to be very fruitful, for after receiving a good education, Stanislaus later became a priest and devoted his life to God. As a priest in the Diocese of Kraków, he was known throughout the area as being a profound speaker as well as an honorable man … a man who lived the words he spoke. The messages he delivered during his homilies were so full of inspiration that multitudes were deeply touched and consequently strove in earnest to grow closer to the Lord.
Because of his popularity and natural leadership abilities, at the young age of 42, Stanislaus was consecrated as the bishop of Kraków (the same diocese that Pope John Paul II once shepherded). Full of faith and trust in God, Bishop Stanislaus led the diocese with a steadfast heart and a fierce devotion to truth.
Unfortunately, the ruler of Poland at the time, Boleslaus II, was only minimally influenced by the good bishop. Over time, he became an increasingly vain, cruel and selfish ruler. He developed such a high degree of tyranny that many became fearful of him and so ignored his misdeeds ... except for Stanislaus. Many claim that, feeling threatened by the popularity of Bishop Stanislaus, the court of King Boleslaus once falsely accused him of having unjustly taken some property for the church. A popular legend tells that Bishop Stanislaus fell into a deep state of prayer for three days and then went to the grave of the man who had sold him the property. One version of the legend continues with the dead man, Piotr (Polish for Peter), having miraculously risen from the dead and clearly proclaiming to various witnesses that Bishop Stanislaus had indeed properly purchased the land.
Boleslaus may have been stunned from the phenomenal event for a time, however, before long, he returned to his corrupt lifestyle. Knowing that such an immoral ruler would only hurt Poland, Bishop Stanislaus boldly challenged Boleslaus, insisting that his behavior change … under a threat of excommunication.
Sadly, King Boleslaus seemed unable or unwilling to change his ways. One day he saw the wife of one of his noblemen, found her to be stunningly beautiful and had her captured for himself. The shocked bishop had had enough and pronounced Boleslaus as no longer Catholic. Boleslaus, used to getting his own way, then ordered the bishop to be killed. His guards, however, could not bring themselves to end the life of such a good man. So, the tyrannical ruler grabbed a sword and killed the devout bishop himself. At his moment of sudden death, Stanislaus was saying Mass. He was only 48 years old.
Allegedly, the disgraceful king then ordered the bishop’s remains to be chopped into pieces and scattered about for animals to devour. According to persistent legends, all portions of the bishop’s body were miraculously gathered back together and guarded by four eagles.
The reports of what happened to Boleslaus II following this murderous and outrageous behavior are conflicting and uncertain. One tradition claims that Boleslaus’s power began to wane and that he was eventually forced to leave Poland. Some resources claim he went to a Benedictine monastery in Hungary and lived the rest of his life as a monk, sorrowful for his many terrible deeds. Others insist he was killed.
The love and respect for Bishop Stanislaus only increased upon his death. The people of Poland immediately declared him a saint in their hearts, and in 1243, Stanislaus was officially canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church.
So, in 1855, when a group of immigrant Polish families arrived in Bandera, and a patron saint was needed for their new parish, the choice was likely an easy one … Saint Stanislaus … a wonderful example of bravery and goodness, a person dear to the hearts of the Polish people.
You can view the murals depicting the life of Saint Stanislaus at Saint Stanislaus Church in Bandera (602 7th Street, Bandera, TX 78003). If you would like to attend Mass at the church, the Mass times are: Saturdays at 5 p.m.; Sundays at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. (in Spanish) and 11:30 a.m.