Grand Prince Aleksander Podolski and Margrave and Margravine Gulgowski-Doliwa
at a reception in the Knights' Hall of Olesnica Castle.






The Order of St. Stanislas Investiture in Poland

by
Chev. Commodore Dr. Paul W. Margrave Gulgowski-Doliwa
GCMS, GCDA, RCST, etc.
and
Dame Heide Anna Maria Margravine Gulgowski-Doliwa
GCMS, GCDA, RCST, CStS-JC , etc.

     Medieval Olesnica of Lower Silesia in Poland was the historic site of the most recent investiture ceremony of the Order of St. Stanislas on 17 June 2006. Before we continue, here are a few words about the St. Stanislas himself.


     In December 1071, Stanislas was elected 9th Bishop of Krakow. From early childhood, he had devoted himself to serve God and the poor. For political reasons, King Boleslaw II, called "The Fierce," had Stanislas sentenced to suffer "truncatio membrorum," which involved the severing of the ears, nose, legs and hands, as well as the blinding of both eyes.


     Although the punishment was not supposed to result in death, the executioners carried the king's decree out with such severity that the bishop died on 11 April 1079. Over the next 100 years, many miracles took place in the vicinity of his sarcophagus, prompting Pope Innocent IV to elevate Bishop Stanislas to sainthood on 8 May 1253. Since then, St. Stanislas was respected as the second patron saint of Poland, right after St. Wojiech, who died a violent death for his faith in 997.


     Basilica Mniejsza, in which the investiture was celebrated, is an integral part of Olesnica Castle, a formidable structure of great prominence in Polish and German history. Everywhere, the witnesses of history are present in Olesnica. King Konrad I Glogowski utilized the castle as his seat of government during the early 13th century. It also served as the last regal residence of the last Imperial German Crown Prince.


     Needless to say, this festive celebration was not just inspirational, it was also enchanting. The Holy Mass in the Neo-Gothic/Neo-Renaissance-style castle basilica was celebrated in Latin by a bishop of the Diocese of Wroclaw and the individual investiture into the Order of St. Stanislas of every Dame and Knight was experienced with great solemnity and dedication to purpose. Definitely, for many newly elevated Dames and Knights, this was a high, if not the highest, point in their lives, giving them a new vision and mission in life.


     Most special of this unforgettable 17th of June, was the fact that everyone in attendance was a truly interesting and valuable person. Our discussions with many of them revealed their highly accomplished lifestyles, sterling intelligence and charitable character. We consider it an honor and a privilege to be associated with such a remarkable group of people, and we look forward to meeting with many of them again in the future.