Patron Saint of Teachers, Students, Priests, and Pilgrims

St. John Cantius—also known as John of Kenty—was a Polish priest, scholar, and teacher who lived from 1390 to 1473. Although not widely known in the United States, he was deeply admired by Pope John Paul II, who often prayed at his tomb.

Early Life and Education

John was born in the small town of Kenty on June 24, 1390, just miles from where Pope John Paul II would be born centuries later. At the age of 23, he registered for studies at the Jagiellonian University, located in the not-too-distant city of Krakow—then, the capital of the Polish Kingdom. Founded 1364 by royal decree, it was the same university at which astronomer, Nicolas Copernicus, would study almost 80 years later.

Enrolled in the Department of Liberal Arts, John became a Doctor of Philosophy in 1418. During the following three years, he undertook further studies in preparation for the priesthood, while supporting himself by conducting philosophy classes at the university.

Immediately following ordination, he accepted a position as rector at the prestigious school of the Canons Regular of the Most Holy Sepulcher in Miechow. That such a school would offer him this position at his relatively young age was evidence of John’s exceptional intellect and talents. It was there in conducting formation classes for the young novices that he became firmly grounded in the writings and spirituality of St. Augustine.

Priest and Teacher

In 1429, a position became vacant in the Philosophy Department at the Jagiellonian University. John quickly returned to Krakow for the Job, taking up residence at the university where he remained until his death. He also began studies in theology and after 13 long years of study intertwined with teaching and administrative duties as head of the Philosophy Department, He finally received his doctorate. Later, after the death of his mentor, the eminent theologian Benedykt Hesse, John assumed directorship of the university’s Theology Department.

As most learned men of his day, John spent many of his free hour's hand copying manuscripts of the Holy Scriptures, theological tracts, and other scholarly works. Although only 26 volumes have survived to our time, their total of over 18,000 pages is a testament to his exceptional industriousness.

A Man of Charity

During the course of his life in Krakow, John became well known among the city’s residents for his generosity and compassion toward the poor, always sacrificing his own needs in order to help those less fortunate. He felt a special affinity toward need students at the university, helping to care for their spiritual, physical, and academic needs, whether it was in the classroom or in the pulpit, everyone knew him as a staunch defender of the faith and enemy of heretics.

By the time the Master from Kenty died on December 24, 1473, the people of Krakow already considered him a very holy man. That his opinion was wholly justified can be evidenced by the numerous favors and miracles attributed to John’s intercession beginning immediately following his death. Before long, John from Kenty became know widely throughout Europe, drawing pilgrims from many countries to his tomb in the university’s Collegiate Church of St. Anne.

Death and Canonization

When he died on December 24, 1473, people already considered him a holy man. Many miracles were reported through his intercession. He was officially declared a saint in 1676, and his feast day is October 20.

Pope John Paul II frequently visited St. John’s tomb and admired his example. During a 1997 visit, he said words inspired by the saint:

“Knowledge and wisdom seek a covenant with holiness.”