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St. Hyacinth
Our latest "saint in residence" has been here just a short time, yet, it has been amazing how many people have been asking questions about him, particularly of the two items he is shown carrying. Well, I'll get to that, but first would like to give you a little information about the man as well. 
St. Hyacinth was born in 1185 in Silesian Poland, slightly more than 100 years after the
martyrdom of St. Stanislaus.
In 1220 he became one of the first friars to receive the habit of the newly established Order of Friars Preachers from the hands of St. Dominic himself. Subsequently Hyacinth traveled about much of Central and Eastern Europe doing missionary work and founding new communities. His work took him to places as distant as Denmark and Kiev! It was in the latter city where we discover the meaning behind the two items he is clutching in his arms. While saying Mass one day in Kiev it so happened that the city had come under siege from the Tartars. Upon completing the Mass Hyacinth began to flee the church along with the Blessed Sacrament in one hand. It was at that point that he heard a voice calling him -- a voice coming from the statue of Mary! She wanted Hyacinth to save her from the Tartar onslaught as well! Hyacinth turned back and rescued the figure of Mary holding Jesus in his other arm. As Hyacinth moved on in years he spent his final days in the city of Kraków at one of the convents which he had founded. He died there in 1257, just four years after the canonization of our St. Stanislaus. His relics are enshrined in the Dominican Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Kraków up a long flight of steps alongside the sanctuary. In the near future, once the corbel is completed and securely installed on the wall adjacent to the altar of Mary and the two "Queen" saints, St. Hyacinth will have his place of permanent residence within our church. Directly across from him will be the shrine dedicated to the Infant of Prague, the statue which came to us from Goosetown's Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. That shrine, funded by an anonymous donor, will be quite a bit more elaborate, keeping in line with the gothic woodwork carvings throughout the church. Both religious items are most welcomed into our midst as they serve as inspirations to many who have private devotions to them. During this holy season, may they bring special blessings to all who hold them close to their hearts. Written by David Krakowski |
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