A 15th-century Polish Franciscan religious, Ladislas of Gielniow was a renowned preacher and provincial of his order. Known for his missionary zeal toward the Tatars and his piety, he died in Warsaw in 1505 after being rapt in ecstasy during a sermon on the Passion.
Contemporaries
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Guided reading
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BLESSED LADISLAS OF GIELNIOW,
FRIAR MINOR (1505).
Origins and religious formation
Ladislas was born in Gielniow, Poland, and joined the Franciscan Order under the spiritual influence of Saint John of Capistrano.
Blessed Ladislas of Gielnio w was bo rn in this Polish town, which fell under the diocese of Gn iezno. He had the good fortune to be among the Franciscan religious w hom S aint John of Capistrano guided toward perfection through his lessons and, above all, through his examples.
Attempted mission to the East
Zealous for the conversion of peoples, he attempted a mission to the Kalmyk Tatars, but the opposition of the Grand Duke of Russia caused the project to fail.
He had dedicated himself to the Lord from his earliest youth. Zeal for the glory of God led him, once he had made his profession, to undertake, with twelve companions, a mission to the Kalmyk Tatars, who were given over to idolatry or engaged in Mohammedanism. The obstacl es that the Grand D uke of Russia placed in the way of this holy enterprise prevented its success.
Responsibilities and preaching in Poland
Having become guardian in Warsaw and then provincial, he distinguished himself by his obedience and his talents as a sacred orator.
Having returned to Poland, Ladislaus gave himself entirely to the fulfillment of the duties of his profession. His obedience was admirable; he showed consummate prudence in the offices of guardian of the co nvent of Warsaw and provincial of his Order. His virtue and his eloquence earned him a great reputation as a preacher.
The Good Friday Ecstasy and Passing
During a sermon on the Passion, he was caught up in ecstasy before the crowd before passing away in Warsaw in 1505.
Preaching on the Passion on a Good Friday, he was caught up in ecstasy after pronouncing the name of Jesus, and was raised above the pulpit, in the sight of all the people. He fell shortly after into a lingering illness, from which he died in Warsaw, in 1505.
Recognition and Cult
Recognized as patron of Poland and Lithuania, he was officially beatified by Pope Benedict XIV.
God manifested the merits and holiness of his servant so greatly after the death of Ladislas that the Poles and Lithuanians chose him as one of their primary patrons. Pope Benedict XIV permitted him to be honored as Blessed. The Order of Saint Fran cis celebrates his feast on October 22.
Taken from Godescard, Bru ssels edi tion, 1854.
Iconography
Signs and attributes
Entities
Narrative network
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The supernatural in their life
The miracles of Blessed Ladislaus of Gielniów
Frequently asked questions about Blessed Ladislaus of Gielniów
Who was Blessed Ladislaus of Gielniów?
A 15th-century Polish Franciscan religious, Ladislas of Gielniow was a renowned preacher and provincial of his order. Known for his missionary zeal toward the Tatars and his piety, he died in Warsaw in 1505 after being rapt in ecstasy during a sermon on the Passion.
What is Blessed Ladislaus of Gielniów the patron saint of?
Patronage of Blessed Ladislaus of Gielniów: Poland and Lithuania.
How is Blessed Ladislaus of Gielniów depicted in Christian art?
In iconography, Blessed Ladislaus of Gielniów is recognizable by: Franciscan habit and levitation in ecstasy.
What miracles are attributed to Blessed Ladislaus of Gielniów?
1 miracle are attributed to this saint, notably: Levitation / bilocation.
Which saints were contemporaries of Blessed Ladislaus of Gielniów?
Contemporaries include: Blessed John of Jesus-Mary, Ana de Jesús, Venerable Anne of Jesus and Saint Francis de Sales (Bishop and Prince of Geneva).
When did Blessed Ladislaus of Gielniów die?
Blessed Ladislaus of Gielniów died around 1600.
What are the other names of Blessed Ladislaus of Gielniów?
Other forms of the name: Ladislas de Gielniow.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Joined the Franciscans under the guidance of Saint John of Capistrano
- Attempted mission to the Kalmyk Tatars
- Guardian of the Warsaw convent
- Provincial of his Order
- Ecstasy in the pulpit during a Good Friday sermon
- Died in Warsaw in 1505