St. John was born at Kenty in the diocese of Cracow. He was a parish priest and missionary, but, above all, he is remarkable for having fulfilled during many years the duties of a professor at the University of Cracow. There may be many who hold that the position of a teacher at a university, who is apt to be enamoured of his own learning, is scarcely suited to the practice of Christian perfection. John of Kenty has dispelled this illusion, and has proven that the example of a holy life lends authority to a master”s teaching far more than would self-sufficiency.

He was marked during his life time by a great generosity towards the poor, and, after his death, God distinguished him by a number of miracles. He died on Christmas Eve, 1473, and was canonized by Pope Clement XIII in 1767. He is invoked in cases of ulcers, fever and consumption; he is one of the patrons of Poland.

(Source: The New Roman Missal, Rev. F. X. Lasance)