In the annals of Catholic history, certain narratives stand as compelling evidence of divine power and mercy.
The tale of Saint Stanislaus of SzczepanĂłw is one such extraordinary story, where faith, righteousness, and divine intervention intersect to create a remarkable event!
Born to Polish nobility in the 11th century, Stanislaus dedicated his life to the spiritual servitude of the Church, rising to the position of Bishop of Krakow. His unwavering commitment to justice led him into a dispute with King BolesĹ‚aw II. The heart of the disagreement was a piece of land on the banks of the Vistula River near Lublin, which Stanislaus had purchased for the diocese from a man named Piotr. Upon Piotr’s death, his family claimed the land. The King initially ruled in the family’s favor, but Stanislaus, guided by faith, sought to change the verdict with a divine act.
According to the 18th-century Bible scholar, Augustin Calmet, Stanislaus requested three days from the King to produce his witness, Piotr. Met with laughter from the court, the King granted Stanislaus the time. Stanislaus spent those three days immersed in prayer and, dressed in full bishop’s regalia, led a procession to the cemetery where Piotr was buried.
Before a multitude of witnesses, Stanislaus invoked divine power to raise Piotr from the grave. Astonishingly, Piotr did rise. Clad in a cloak, Piotr was brought before the King to bear testimony. His words reprimanded his sons, and he confirmed Stanislaus’ rightful ownership of the land. Overwhelmed and unable to rule otherwise, the King dismissed the case against Stanislaus.
Following the divine mission, Stanislaus offered Piotr the chance to remain alive. However, Piotr chose to return to his eternal rest, and he was respectfully reinterred.
The story of Stanislaus and his resurrected witness adds a mesmerizing chapter to the narrative of Catholic sainthood!
