Catholic Saint
St. Jadwiga of Poland
“A medieval Queen of Poland who used her wealth to restore universities, found hospitals, and unite Poland and Lithuania through her marriage.”
Feast Day: July 17
Biography
St. Jadwiga was crowned King (not Queen) of Poland at age 10. She sacrificed her personal happiness by breaking her engagement to marry the pagan Grand Duke of Lithuania, leading to the Christianization of Lithuania. She funded the restoration of the Kraków Academy (now Jagiellonian University) and was beloved for her personal charity.
Prayer to St. Jadwiga of Poland
I pledge all my jewels for the glory of God and the education of youth.