Blessed Stanisław Starowieyski

Blessed Stanisław Starowieyski was born on May 11, 1895, in Ustrobna near Krosno. He was raised in a Catholic family and from his earliest years showed deep religious devotion. Before he was called up for military service, he studied law at the Jagiellonian University. During his military service he received the Virtuti Militari, Fifth Class, and the Cross of Valor from the hands of General Władysław Sikorski.

On August 24, 1921, he married Maria Szeptycka, with whom he had six children. Despite his wealth, Stanisław led a modest life. He devoted much time to his children and supported their progress in learning, sparing no expense on their education. He cared for the spiritual growth of his workers while also ensuring them fair working conditions. He enjoyed great respect among the people.

In 1939, with war threatening, he was urged to flee in view of the reprisals the Germans were planning. He decided to remain in the country. He was imprisoned in the Dachau concentration camp, where he was singled out for persecution because of his landowning background and his Catholic activity. With his remarkable serenity he strengthened the other prisoners and helped them survive captivity. Despite his own sufferings, he was concerned for the fate of his family and his workers. He died in the camp in 1941.

He was raised to the altars by John Paul II in 1999. He is presented as a martyr for the faith and as an example of a wealthy man who, through his faithfulness to God, skillfully combined spiritual and material values.