Pope approves canonisation of Polish priest
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
16.03.2016 11:28
A 17th century Polish priest is one of five figures – including Mother Teresa of Calcutta - who will be canonised this year, with the candidates approved on Tuesday by Pope Francis.
Pope Francis (C), during a consistory with the announcement of the dates for the canonizations of Mother Teresa and four other future saints, at the Vatican City, 15 March 2016. EPA/OSSERVATORE ROMANO
Blessed Stanisław Papczyński, who founded the Congregation of Marian Fathers, will be canonised on 5 June.
Born in 1631 near Stary Sącz, southern Poland, he was the son of a blacksmith, and he was educated at Jesuit and Piarist colleges.
He formed the new congregation, which was relatively strict and observed a prohibition on drinking vodka, in 1673.
It was granted approval by Pope Innocent XII in 1699, three years before the founder's death. (nh/pk)