Saint Hyacinth (c. 1185–1257) was a Polish priest who entered the Dominican Order in Rome, according to tradition receiving the habit from Saint Dominic himself. He brought the Dominicans to Poland, founding a community in Kraków, and spent decades preaching across Poland and neighboring lands, earning him the title Apostle of the North. He died in Kraków on August 15, 1257, and was canonized by Pope Clement VIII in 1594.
Hyacinth shows what one faithful heart can carry: he traveled tirelessly, not for himself, but so that others could hear of God's love. His long journeys remind us that grief and love both set us in motion, and that we can bring light into every place we go, one small act of faithfulness at a time.
Saint Hyacinth, tireless bearer of the Good News, pray for us and for Ben, that we may carry God's love faithfully wherever our road leads. Amen.