Jan Kropidło
Encyclopedia
Jan Kropidło was Duke of Strzelce
1382–96, Duke of Opole
from 1396 (only formally), Bishop of Poznań 1382–84, Bishop of Włocławek 1384–89, nominate Archbishop of Gniezno 1389–94, Bishop of Kamień 1394–98, Bishop of Chełmno 1398–1402, and again Bishop of Włocławek 1402 until his death.
He was the eldest son of Duke Bolko III of Strzelce by his wife Anna, probably daughter of Duke Jan I of Oświęcim
.
Jan's sobriquet
"Kropidło" means "aspergillum
" — an instrument used to sprinkle holy water
, in allusion to his Church career. However, Stanisław A. Sroka, in Piastowie-Leksykon Biograficzny (The Piasts: a Biographical Dictionary), writes that Jan received the nickname from his thick hair.
as co-rulers.
With the support of his uncle (then Count Palatine of Hungary), in 1379 Jan, while yet a teen-ager, was named Provost of the Spisz Chapter, giving him substantial revenues. Despite his new duties, Jan would study law and theology in Prague
and Bologna
.
In 1382 Jan returned to Silesia, where, thanks to the support of King Louis I of Hungary and Poland, he was appointed Bishop of Poznań. Jan remained in this office only two years, because in 1384 he received the more profitable Bishopric of Włocławek.
In 1388, the death of Archbishop Bodzanta
give to Jan the opportunity to obtain a more politically and important position: the Archbishopric of Gniezno. Despite the Papal consent, Jan never could took place the title an goods of the Archbishopric. The decisive objection was made by the new Polish King, Władysław II Jagiełło
, who, at that was involved in a bitter dispute with Władysław Opolczyk, preferred not accepted the nomination of the nephew of his enemy to the most important position in the Church of Poland, who could be place him in a risky position. The fact that Jan originally didn't want to combine forces with his uncle doesn't count. The dispute over the Archbishopric lasted until 1394, when Jan, unable to obtain the recognition of the King, finally resigned. The period of struggle for the Archbishopric, was probably the heaviest in Jan's life, and severely affected his finances.
Soon after, Jan obtain the post of Bishop of Kamień. The revenues of the Diocese were little, and therefore the asked to the Pope the right to reap revenues from goods of the Bishopric of Poznań. Again, the opposition of King Władysław II prevented him to obtain the rich benefices. In 1398 Jan was named Bishop of Chełmno, whose territory lying entirely within the Teutonic Order. In 1399 he went to Poland, but in Kalisz
Jan was stopped by partisans of King Władysław II, who forced him to take the oath of loyalty.
In 1401 Władysław Opolczyk died, an event who finally give the complete reconciliation between Jan and the Polish King; now, Jan's ambitions were focused in recover the Bishopric of Włocławek. One year later (in 1402), Jan was named Bishop, and remained in this post until his death. The Włocławek hierarchy wasn't the easiest, mainly due to the position of the Diocese, in the middle of the disputes between the Teutonic Order and the Kingdom of Poland, especially over who was the real owner of the Diocese of Gdańsk Pomerania
(in fact, the Diocese was part of the Bishopric of Włocławek), and this event made almost impossible the rule of Jan over his Bishopric. This resulted in an increasing willingness to cooperate with Poland from Jan, particularly as revealed in the great wars of the Teutonic Order in 1410, when thanks to the mediation of Bishop of Gdańsk, he paid homage to the King.
The decision of Jan to remain on the Polish side had serious consequences to him: in 1411 he was imprisoned by the citizens of Wrocław, who are subjects of the Bohemian Kingdom, and in this way they could neutralized the activities of the Bishop. Jan regained his freedom after three months as a result of the personal intervention of Sigismund of Luxembourg
, King of Hungary. The city of Wrocław was forced into a humiliating apology ceremony. In general, the relationship between Jan and the House of Luxembourg was good, and thanks to this, the Bishop could obtain as new revenues the Abbeys of Szekszárd
and Pannonhalma
.
During 1415-1417 Jan took part in the Council of Constance
, who ended with the Western Schism
. During the Council Jan obtain from the Teutonic Order, thanks to the influence of the Curia and the support of the Polish delegation, the guarantee over the inviolability of the Bishopric of Gdańsk Pomerania. Also, Jan could received the satisfaction of the punishment given to the Bishop of Wrocław for his unlawful imprisonment few years earlier.
As Bishop of Włocławek, Jan was an excellent ruler and the revenues of the Bishopric have increased significantly. He also raised the category of his Diocese, after ordened the build of a magnificent cathedral. Throughout his life, and despite his Church career, Jan always used the title, firstly Jan, Duke of Strzelce, and later Jan, Duke of Opole.
Jan died on 3 March 1421 in Opole and was buried in the local Dominican
church. In his will, he left a considerable amount of money to the city of Opole.
Strzelce Opolskie
Strzelce Opolskie is a town in south-western Poland with 19,628 inhabitants , situated in the Opole Voivodeship. It is the capital of Strzelce County. Strzelce Opolskie is one of the biggest centers of German minority in Poland....
1382–96, Duke of Opole
Opole
Opole is a city in southern Poland on the Oder River . It has a population of 125,992 and is the capital of the Upper Silesia, Opole Voivodeship and, also the seat of Opole County...
from 1396 (only formally), Bishop of Poznań 1382–84, Bishop of Włocławek 1384–89, nominate Archbishop of Gniezno 1389–94, Bishop of Kamień 1394–98, Bishop of Chełmno 1398–1402, and again Bishop of Włocławek 1402 until his death.
He was the eldest son of Duke Bolko III of Strzelce by his wife Anna, probably daughter of Duke Jan I of Oświęcim
Jan I the Scholastic
Jan I the Scholastic , was a Duke of Oświęcim from 1324 until his death.He was the eldest child and only son of Duke Władysław of Oświęcim by his wife Euphrosyne, daughter of Duke Boleslaus II of Masovia.-Life:...
.
Jan's sobriquet
Sobriquet
A sobriquet is a nickname, sometimes assumed, but often given by another. It is usually a familiar name, distinct from a pseudonym assumed as a disguise, but a nickname which is familiar enough such that it can be used in place of a real name without the need of explanation...
"Kropidło" means "aspergillum
Aspergillum
An aspergillum is a liturgical implement used to sprinkle holy water. It comes in two common forms: a brush that is dipped in the water and shaken, and a perforated ball at the end of a short handle...
" — an instrument used to sprinkle holy water
Holy water
Holy water is water that, in Catholicism, Anglicanism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Lutheranism, Oriental Orthodoxy, and some other churches, has been sanctified by a priest for the purpose of baptism, the blessing of persons, places, and objects; or as a means of repelling evil.The use for baptism and...
, in allusion to his Church career. However, Stanisław A. Sroka, in Piastowie-Leksykon Biograficzny (The Piasts: a Biographical Dictionary), writes that Jan received the nickname from his thick hair.
Life
For unknown reasons, though Jan was the eldest male of four siblings, from his early years he was destined for the Church. His rapid ecclesiastic ascent was largely due to his uncle, Władysław Opolczyk, who aided Jan as guardian to the minor brothers when their father Bolko III died in 1382 and they all inherited StrzelceStrzelce Opolskie
Strzelce Opolskie is a town in south-western Poland with 19,628 inhabitants , situated in the Opole Voivodeship. It is the capital of Strzelce County. Strzelce Opolskie is one of the biggest centers of German minority in Poland....
as co-rulers.
With the support of his uncle (then Count Palatine of Hungary), in 1379 Jan, while yet a teen-ager, was named Provost of the Spisz Chapter, giving him substantial revenues. Despite his new duties, Jan would study law and theology in Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
and Bologna
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of Emilia-Romagna, in the Po Valley of Northern Italy. The city lies between the Po River and the Apennine Mountains, more specifically, between the Reno River and the Savena River. Bologna is a lively and cosmopolitan Italian college city, with spectacular history,...
.
In 1382 Jan returned to Silesia, where, thanks to the support of King Louis I of Hungary and Poland, he was appointed Bishop of Poznań. Jan remained in this office only two years, because in 1384 he received the more profitable Bishopric of Włocławek.
In 1388, the death of Archbishop Bodzanta
Bodzanta
Bodzanta or Bodzęta of Kosowice of Szeliga coat of arms was an archbishop of Gniezno , Polish noble, governor of Kraków–Sandomierz lands .Supporter of Louis I of Hungary and the Angevin dynasty...
give to Jan the opportunity to obtain a more politically and important position: the Archbishopric of Gniezno. Despite the Papal consent, Jan never could took place the title an goods of the Archbishopric. The decisive objection was made by the new Polish King, Władysław II Jagiełło
Jogaila
Jogaila, later 'He is known under a number of names: ; ; . See also: Jogaila : names and titles. was Grand Duke of Lithuania , king consort of Kingdom of Poland , and sole King of Poland . He ruled in Lithuania from 1377, at first with his uncle Kęstutis...
, who, at that was involved in a bitter dispute with Władysław Opolczyk, preferred not accepted the nomination of the nephew of his enemy to the most important position in the Church of Poland, who could be place him in a risky position. The fact that Jan originally didn't want to combine forces with his uncle doesn't count. The dispute over the Archbishopric lasted until 1394, when Jan, unable to obtain the recognition of the King, finally resigned. The period of struggle for the Archbishopric, was probably the heaviest in Jan's life, and severely affected his finances.
Soon after, Jan obtain the post of Bishop of Kamień. The revenues of the Diocese were little, and therefore the asked to the Pope the right to reap revenues from goods of the Bishopric of Poznań. Again, the opposition of King Władysław II prevented him to obtain the rich benefices. In 1398 Jan was named Bishop of Chełmno, whose territory lying entirely within the Teutonic Order. In 1399 he went to Poland, but in Kalisz
Kalisz
Kalisz is a city in central Poland with 106,857 inhabitants , the capital city of the Kalisz Region. Situated on the Prosna river in the southeastern part of the Greater Poland Voivodeship, the city forms a conurbation with the nearby towns of Ostrów Wielkopolski and Nowe Skalmierzyce...
Jan was stopped by partisans of King Władysław II, who forced him to take the oath of loyalty.
In 1401 Władysław Opolczyk died, an event who finally give the complete reconciliation between Jan and the Polish King; now, Jan's ambitions were focused in recover the Bishopric of Włocławek. One year later (in 1402), Jan was named Bishop, and remained in this post until his death. The Włocławek hierarchy wasn't the easiest, mainly due to the position of the Diocese, in the middle of the disputes between the Teutonic Order and the Kingdom of Poland, especially over who was the real owner of the Diocese of Gdańsk Pomerania
Gdańsk Pomerania
For the medieval duchy, see Pomeranian duchies and dukesGdańsk Pomerania or Eastern Pomerania is a geographical region in northern Poland covering eastern part of Pomeranian Voivodeship...
(in fact, the Diocese was part of the Bishopric of Włocławek), and this event made almost impossible the rule of Jan over his Bishopric. This resulted in an increasing willingness to cooperate with Poland from Jan, particularly as revealed in the great wars of the Teutonic Order in 1410, when thanks to the mediation of Bishop of Gdańsk, he paid homage to the King.
The decision of Jan to remain on the Polish side had serious consequences to him: in 1411 he was imprisoned by the citizens of Wrocław, who are subjects of the Bohemian Kingdom, and in this way they could neutralized the activities of the Bishop. Jan regained his freedom after three months as a result of the personal intervention of Sigismund of Luxembourg
Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor
Sigismund of Luxemburg KG was King of Hungary, of Croatia from 1387 to 1437, of Bohemia from 1419, and Holy Roman Emperor for four years from 1433 until 1437, the last Emperor of the House of Luxemburg. He was also King of Italy from 1431, and of Germany from 1411...
, King of Hungary. The city of Wrocław was forced into a humiliating apology ceremony. In general, the relationship between Jan and the House of Luxembourg was good, and thanks to this, the Bishop could obtain as new revenues the Abbeys of Szekszárd
Szekszárd
Szekszárd is a city in Hungary and the capital of Tolna county. By population, Szekszárd is the smallest county capital in Hungary; by area, it is the second smallest -Location:...
and Pannonhalma
Pannonhalma
Pannonhalma is a town in western Hungary, in Győr-Moson-Sopron county with approximately 4,000 inhabitants. It is about from Győr. Archduke Otto Habsburg's heart is kept at the Pannonhalma Archabbey, while his body was laid at the Capuchin Crypt in the old Imperial capital of Vienna.-History:The...
.
During 1415-1417 Jan took part in the Council of Constance
Council of Constance
The Council of Constance is the 15th ecumenical council recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, held from 1414 to 1418. The council ended the Three-Popes Controversy, by deposing or accepting the resignation of the remaining Papal claimants and electing Pope Martin V.The Council also condemned and...
, who ended with the Western Schism
Western Schism
The Western Schism or Papal Schism was a split within the Catholic Church from 1378 to 1417. Two men simultaneously claimed to be the true pope. Driven by politics rather than any theological disagreement, the schism was ended by the Council of Constance . The simultaneous claims to the papal chair...
. During the Council Jan obtain from the Teutonic Order, thanks to the influence of the Curia and the support of the Polish delegation, the guarantee over the inviolability of the Bishopric of Gdańsk Pomerania. Also, Jan could received the satisfaction of the punishment given to the Bishop of Wrocław for his unlawful imprisonment few years earlier.
As Bishop of Włocławek, Jan was an excellent ruler and the revenues of the Bishopric have increased significantly. He also raised the category of his Diocese, after ordened the build of a magnificent cathedral. Throughout his life, and despite his Church career, Jan always used the title, firstly Jan, Duke of Strzelce, and later Jan, Duke of Opole.
Jan died on 3 March 1421 in Opole and was buried in the local Dominican
Dominican Order
The Order of Preachers , after the 15th century more commonly known as the Dominican Order or Dominicans, is a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Dominic and approved by Pope Honorius III on 22 December 1216 in France...
church. In his will, he left a considerable amount of money to the city of Opole.