John of Kanty, as he called himself—originally from Kęty, Poland—was born there in 1390. He earned doctorates in both philosophy and theology and, after being ordained a priest, received a canonry in Kraków, where he also taught theology at the university. For a time, he served as tutor to the princes of the Polish royal family.
He became known for his deep detachment from worldly things and for a truly remarkable charity. He made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and, several times, to Rome.
After living eighty-three years, he died in Kraków on Christmas night in 1473. He was canonized in 1767, and in 1770 was added to the Roman calendar on October 20. In the current calendar, his feast is placed as close as possible to the anniversary of his death.
