CESLAO DI POLONIA (DI SLESIA), BEATO

CESLAUS of Poland (of Silesia), Blessed. — Dominican, born in 1180 at Gross-Stein in Upper Silesia, died at Breslau on 15 July 1242. Later accounts claim he was a companion, Bzovius makes him the brother, of St Hyacinth, together with whom he is said to have received the habit of the Preachers from St Dominic in Rome and to have later founded the convent at Friesach (Carinthia). After a stay in Cracow, C. established the convent of St Adalbert at Breslau. As prior of Breslau and as provincial of Poland he devoted himself to the Christianization of Silesia. The lifting of the siege of the castle of Breslau during the Mongol attack in 1241 is attributed to his prayers. His relics repose in St Adalbert’s. His cult was approved by Clement XI in 1712. Feast in the Dominican Order on 17 July, in the archdiocese of Breslau on 20 July.