Born in Poland in 1440, not much is recorded about the early life of Ladislaus of Gielniów. At the age of 22 he went to the University of Warsaw, then joined the Franciscan order where he became known for his voluntary fasting and mortifications. Ladislaus adopted the devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, and infused it into his energetic preaching. After serving as the monastery doorkeeper, he rose to serve as provincial of his Order twice, and sent Franciscan missionaries to Lithuania to bring schismatics back to the Church. While in prayer on Good Friday, 1505, people saw him enter into an ecstasy, levitate into the air, then collapse to the ground. He remained bedridden until his death a few weeks later.
CHALLENGE
In addition to his powerful preaching and his personal devotion to the scourging of Christ at the pillar, Blessed Ladislaus of Gielniów was renowned for his hymns and poems which became so embedded into Polish culture they are still revered to this day. What’s your special devotion? Today, write a poem or prayer about it. If the Holy Spirit moves you to do so, share it with others.
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