St. John Cantius
Feast 12-23 · Canonized 1767
Patron of
About
John Cantius was born in 1390 in Kęty, Poland. He studied at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, where he earned a doctorate and became a professor of philosophy and theology.
He was known for his humility, his austere way of life, and his generosity to the poor, giving away his salary and even his shoes. He made pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Rome, traveling on foot.
He died in 1473 and was canonized in 1767. He is one of the patron saints of Poland and is venerated as the patron saint of students, teachers, and universities.
Suggested prayer
O God, who gave St. John Cantius the humility to give away his salary and even his shoes, grant through his intercession that all who seek knowledge may let their learning lead them closer to You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
