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Biography

Hyacinth of Poland

Portrait of Hyacinth of Poland

About Hyacinth of Poland

Hyacinth was among the earliest Dominican friars and became an important figure in the order’s arrival in Poland. The Dominican account places him at Rome in the 1220s, when the new order was spreading. He returned to the region of Kraków and worked with companions rather than founding a mission alone.

In 1223 the friars settled at Holy Trinity in Kraków, a house that became the first lasting Dominican priory in Poland. Preaching, community life and formation made that house a starting point for further work.

Hyacinth died in 1257 and is commemorated by the Dominicans on August 17. He is distinct from Hyacinth, the early Roman martyr whose ancient grave is associated with the catacombs of Saint Hermes.

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