BLESSED LADISLAO OF GIELNIÓW. — Born at Gielniów (diocese of Gniezno, in Poland) c. 1440, died as guardian of the convent in Warsaw on 4 May 1505. He completed his studies in Cracow and, still young, entered the Franciscans. To his apostolic activity as preacher and provincial superior he added a life of holiness, favoured also by supernatural gifts. Particularly devoted to Mary, he instituted a special form of the rosary. He spread the Observance in Poland and sent missions to Lithuania. His cult was confirmed on 11 February 1750. Feast day: 4 May.
Bibl.: Acta SS. Maii, I, Paris 1865, pp. 565-620; Waddinx, Annales, XV, pp. 349 ff.; P. G. Bogdolski, Die Franz-Obervanden in Polen, I, Cracow 1933, V. index. Alberto Ghinato