Patron of the UST College of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Feast Day: August 17
Saint Hyacinth was named as the “Apostle of Poland.” Those who are in danger of drowning prayed to him.
Born in Oppeln, Poland, in around 1185, Saint Hyacinth came from noble parents. His early education was entrusted to his uncle, Ivo Odrowaz, a priest who became Bishop of Krakow later on. Since he showed value and importance in learning, Saint Hyacinth was sent to the best universities in Europe to finish his studies.
In 1220, during his visit to Rome, he became one of the priests who pioneered the Dominican Order of Saint Dominic, with which he shared his devotion to the Virgin Mary.
One of the notable miracles associated to Saint Hyacinth was during the attack of the Mongols on Kiev, where he was tasked to establish the Dominican Order. While he and the other friars were fleeing from the onslaught, Hyacinth took the ciborium with the Blessed Sacrament from the altar and intended to runaway. Suddenly he heard a voice: ‘Hyacinth, you have taken my Son but you are leaving me?’ After this he took the statue of the Blessed Mother, which felt weightless under his arm, and safely left the city. He crossed the Dnieper River traveling to Halicz and returned to Krakow via Lvov.
Saint Hyacinth ran away with the large, stone statue of Mother Mary, along with the monstrance, that was heavier than he can lift, but it did not become an impediment to him.
Thus, he is attributed to a statue of Mother Mary and a ciborium.
Saint Hyacinth died in Krakow, Poland, on August 15, 1257, the day of Assumption of the Blessed Mother. He was canonized on April 17, 1594 by Pope Clement.
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