Bishop of Cracow from 1072 to 1079, St. Stanislaus was put to death by Boleslas II, king of Poland. After five different attempts to remonstrate King Boleslas for his terrible immorality which had earned him the surname of The Cruel, St. Stanislaus excommunicated the king. In response, the king with his guards, followed St. Stanislaus to a small chapel outside of Cracow and ordered him massacred on the spot. Going into the chapel with this intent, the guards were struck with such a respect and dread at the presence of the venerable bishop that they did not attempt it. This happened three times until the king went into the chapel himself to animate his troops. Calling them base cowards, he rushed forward and killed St. Stanislaus with his own hand. St. Stanislaus is one of the patrons of Poland.