Blessed Ceslas Odrowaz

Biography

Blessed Ceslas Odrowaz, also known as Ceslas of Cracow, Ceslas of Krakow, Ceslas of Poland, Ceslas of Wroclaw, Ceslaus, Czeslaw, and Ceslao, was a revered Catholic saint and relative, possibly the brother, of Saint Hyacinth. He was born around 1180 in Cracow, Upper Silesia (modern Poland).

Ceslas embarked on a journey of education and spiritual formation. He studied in Prague, Bohemia, and Bologna, Italy, where he deepened his knowledge in canon law and theology. After his studies, he was ordained as a priest in Cracow, Poland.

Blessed Ceslas served as a canon of the cathedral in Cracow and later became the provost of Sandomir. He acquired a reputation as a noted spiritual advisor, offering guidance and support to those seeking spiritual growth and discernment.

Recognizing his immense potential, Ceslas joined the Dominican Order and received the habit from none other than Saint Dominic de Guzman himself. He went on to become the director of vocations at the Dominican convent in Prague. When the congregation outgrew the original convent, Ceslas oversaw the construction of a larger one, which was provided by Ottakar I.

After establishing a firm foundation for the Dominicans in Prague, Ceslas returned to Wroclaw, Poland. His arrival in Wroclaw was met with elation and admiration from both the public and church officials. Ceslas took on the role of spiritual director for Saint Hedwig of Poland, further solidifying his influence and impact on the faithful.

Ceslas's commitment to spreading the teachings of Christ led him to travel extensively, preaching throughout Moravia, Saxony, Prussia, and Pomerania. He was particularly known for his ability to reconcile the pursuit of a violent career, often adopted by the warrior class, with the practice of Christian charity. Ceslas taught that it was possible to display compassion and love even in the midst of a violent profession.

Throughout his ministry, Ceslas performed numerous miracles. Many attested that his prayers had cured the blind and mute, and even brought a drowned child back to life. The successful resistance of the Mongols by the people of Wroclaw in 1240 was attributed to the powerful intercession of Ceslas through his prayers.

Blessed Ceslas Odrowaz's reputation as a holy man spread far and wide, and he was highly regarded throughout the region in his lifetime and beyond. However, as non-Catholics eventually took over Silesia, primary records documenting his life and miracles were unfortunately destroyed by fire.

The Cause for Ceslas's beatification was brought before the Congregation multiple times. Due to the lack of original records and the extraordinary nature of the claims made about him, the Congregation delayed approval for many decades. However, on August 27, 1712, Pope Clement XI officially beatified Ceslas Odrowaz, confirming his cultus.

Blessed Ceslas Odrowaz died on July 15, 1242, in Wroclaw, Poland, of natural causes. He was interred in the church of Saint Adalbert. His feast days are celebrated on July 15, July 17 by the Dominicans, July 20 in Wroclaw, Poland, and on various other dates in different calendars. Despite the lack of specific details about his representation, his sanctity and spiritual impact continue to inspire devotion among the faithful.