Litany of Polish Saints: John Sarkander

One of the greatest martyr of the Holy Church. Killed by the Hussites, because he did not want to reveal the secrets of the confession

Painting of saint John on the city hall tower in Skoczów

'John would not violate the secrets of the holy tribunal (confession) the rack was used on 13, 17 and 18 February. On each of the latter days the torture lasted for two and three hours, lighted candles and feathers soaked in oil, pitch, and sulphur were strewn over his body and ignited. He lingered from the effects for a month and died in prison.'

Read his short biography HERE