It is often forgotten that Saturday has traditionally been dedicated to Blessed Mother since the very first days of the existence of the Catholic Church. In 417 AD Pope Innocent I proclaimed that Saturday be observed as a day of commemoration of the pain that Mary suffered on Saturday, the day after the crucifixion.

The tradition goes back to the first Holy Saturday when the apostles and followers of Christ turned to a grief stricken and discouraged Mary to give her comfort after the death of her Son and to console and sympathize in her moment of hurt, travail and anxiety. As soon as they were deprived of Christ himself, the apostles turned and clung to His mother with their entire hearts.
In the following centuries individuals who found themselves in doubtful situations, or pain, or distress took their troubles to Mary and put themselves under her protection. The prayer Under thy protection,  dating back to the 3rd century, is considered one of the earliest Christian prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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“ Under your protection we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Despise not our petitions In our need, But from all dangers rescue us always, Virgin most glorious and blessed…”

     It's a simple yet powerful plea for Mary's intercession and protection. The prayer, known in Polish as Pod twoją obrona  became the prayer on the lips of Polish soldiers throughout the centuries when entering into battle to keep their country safe from invaders. It was uttered in every household during the 123 years of partitions when Poland was overcome and erased from the maps of the earth.  
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The Polish song titled  "Witaj Królowo Nieba" (Hail, Queen of Heaven) calls upon Mary with the words: “Hail, Queen of Heaven and Mother of Mercy! Hail, our hope in sorrow and mourning…” It became the most popular homage to Mary on Saturday in Polish convents. The Cistercian nuns spread the custom of singing the song throughout Europe as the last prayer of the day.

​When farmers began their field work on the all-important Saturday, putting the plow to the earth for the first time in spring, or sowing seeds, or harvesting their crops, they asked for Mary’s intercession for success in their work. Passing by a roadside shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, the faithful would stop to pray. It was on Saturday that the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary are said which center on Mary and the role she played when Jesus Christ took on human form and lived in the world.   Following the example of Friday dedicated to the Holy Cross and the Passion of the Lord Jesus, Saturday came to be set aside for the special honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Saturday became a weekly feast day honoring of the Mother of God.

Those devoted to the Blessed Mother eagerly accept the tradition and attempt to display their devotion every Saturday through such ways as saying the rosary, reciting a litany or lighting candles before her image.

Photos of roadside shrine in Poland by Ed Knab. 2007

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← The church today dates back to 17th century. Author photo.


In spite of fires, invasions, and wars that took its toll on the city and the church itself over the centuries, the church of St. Florian became a source of wonder, miracles and legends when a huge fire destroyed the entire northern district of Kraków  called Kleparz in 1528.

​While many churches were destroyed in the wake of the fire, the only edifice that remained standing was the church of St. Florian. From that time on St. Florian began to be worshiped in Poland as the patron saint protecting against fire and as the guardian of fire fighters and fire stations.

  

  ←St. Florian in upper facade of the church 
Author photo


The danger from fire was real both in cities and in the countryside of old Poland. Wooden houses with thatched roofs, stables full of hay, cooking over open fires both indoors and out, all contributed to frequent fires.

A statue of St. Florian was generally erected in the middle of a town or village square as a form of protection. Oftentimes a church steeple or tower of the town hall served as the lookout where firemen watched for the outbreak of fires.

 

     Images of St. Florian can be found near fire stations either as a statue or plaque on the firehouse wall.

←Figure of St. Florian in front of the voluntary fire brigade building in Chomotów, Poland. 2010

The name Florian as a boy’s name appeared in Poland very early, growing with the cult of St. Florian from the 12th century onwards. It comes from the Latin Florus, meaning “to flower.”  ​

Not far from the church, also named after him,  is Floriańska Gate, the entrance to Old Town and  Floriańska  Street, leading directly to Kraków’s magnificent  main square.
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     St. Florian was an early Roman Christian martyr from the 4th century who died protecting his faith. On banners, medals and roadside shrines he is usually depicted dressed in a soldier's uniform and helmet carrying a bucket to douse the fire. Sometimes there is a burning house at his feet.  His feast day is celebrated on May 4th. Happy name day to all named Florian!

←Roadside shrine in Krzyzanowice, Poland  2007
Edward Knab photo.

  May 4th also International Firefighters’ Day,  a day to recognize and thank firefighters for their bravery in protecting lives and property. The date, May 4th, was chosen specifically because it is the feast day of St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters. Thank you and God Bless You!  




For more information about the celebration of  feast days, name days ​ and roadside shrines in Poland: Polish Customs, Traditions and Folklore and Spirit of Place: the Roadside Shrines of Poland both published by Hippocrene Books, Inc. Thanks for reading!