Kinga of Poland
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| St. Kinga of Poland, St. Cunegundes | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1224 |
| Died | July 24, 1292 |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | June 11, 1960 by Pope Alexander VIII |
| Canonized | June 16, 1999 by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | July 24 |
| Patronage | Poland, Lithuania |
 Saints Portal |
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Saint Kinga of Poland (Saint Cunegundes) (1224 - July 24, 1292) is a saint in the Roman Catholic Church and patroness of Poland and Lithuania. She is the daughter of King Bela IV, niece of St. Elizabeth of Hungary and Great-niece of Saint Hedwig. She reluctantly married Boleslaus II, Duke of Cracow and Sandomir. Cunegundes later became queen when her husband ascended the throne as King of Poland. Despite the marriage, the devout couple took up a vow of chastity. During her reign Cunegundes got involved in charitable works such as visiting the poor and helping the lepers. When her husband died in 1279, she sold all her material possessions and gave the money to the poor. She soon did not want any part in governing the kingdom which was left to her and decided to join the Poor Clares monastery at Sandeck. She would spend the rest of her life in contemplative prayer and did not allow anyone to refer to her past role as queen of Poland. She died on July 24, 1292.
Pope Alexander VIII beatified Cunegundes in 1690. In 1695 she was made chief patroness of Poland and Lithuania. On June 16, 1999 she was canonized by Pope John Paul II.
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