Jolenta of Poland
Encyclopedia
Jolenta of Poland (also known as Blessed Yolande (Yolanda) of Poland and Blessed Helen of Hungary (or of Poland); ) (1235–1298) was the daughter of Béla IV of Hungary
and Maria Laskarina
. She was the sister of Saint Margaret of Hungary
and Saint Kinga (Cunegunda). One of her father's sisters was the great Franciscan saint, Elizabeth of Hungary.
, which she did in 1257. They had three daughters:
During the time of her marriage, she was noted for her great services to the poor and needy of the country, as well as being a major benefactor of the monasteries, friaries and hospitals connected to them. Her husband gave her so much support in her charities, that he earned the nickname, "the Pious." She was widowed in 1279.
Kinga had founded in Sandez
. Forced to relocate due to armed conflict in the region, Jolenta founded a new monastery in Gniezno
. She was persuaded to become Abbess
of the community shortly before her death.
Béla IV of Hungary
Béla IV , King of Hungary and of Croatia , duke of Styria 1254–58. One of the most famous kings of Hungary, he distinguished himself through his policy of strengthening of the royal power following the example of his grandfather Bela III, and by the rebuilding Hungary after the catastrophe of the...
and Maria Laskarina
Maria Laskarina
Maria Laskarina was a daughter of Theodore I Laskaris and his first wife Anna Angelina.-Life:She was a younger sister of Irene Lascarina, first Empress consort of John III Doukas Vatatzes. Theodore married his eldest daughter to his designated heir in 1212...
. She was the sister of Saint Margaret of Hungary
Saint Margaret of Hungary
Saint Margaret was a nun and the daughter of King Béla IV and Maria Laskarina. She was the niece of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary and the younger sister of Saint Kinga and Blessed Yolanda.-Early life:...
and Saint Kinga (Cunegunda). One of her father's sisters was the great Franciscan saint, Elizabeth of Hungary.
Life
As a young girl, Jolenta was sent to Poland, to be tutored under the supervision of her sister, Kinga, who was married to the Duke of Poland. There, she was encouraged to marry Boleslaus of Greater PolandBoleslaus of Greater Poland
Bolesław the Pious was a Duke of Greater Poland during 1239–1247 , Duke of Kalisz during 1247–1249, Duke of Gniezno during 1249–1250, Duke of Gniezno-Kalisz during 1253–1257, Duke of whole Greater Poland and Poznań during 1257–1273, in 1261 ruler over Ląd, regent of the Duchies of Masovia, Płock...
, which she did in 1257. They had three daughters:
- Elisabeth of Kalisz (1263 – 28 September 1304). Married Henry V, Duke of LegnicaHenry V, Duke of LegnicaHenry V the Fat was a Duke of Jawor from 1273, of Legnica from 1278 and also Duke of Wroclaw from 1290....
- Hedwig of Kalisz (1266 – 10 December 1339). Married Władysław I the Elbow-high, King of Poland
- Anna of Kalisz (born 1278, date of death unknown). A nun in GnieznoGnieznoGniezno is a city in central-western Poland, some 50 km east of Poznań, inhabited by about 70,000 people. One of the Piasts' chief cities, it was mentioned by 10th century A.D. sources as the capital of Piast Poland however the first capital of Piast realm was most likely Giecz built around...
During the time of her marriage, she was noted for her great services to the poor and needy of the country, as well as being a major benefactor of the monasteries, friaries and hospitals connected to them. Her husband gave her so much support in her charities, that he earned the nickname, "the Pious." She was widowed in 1279.
Religious work
Following Boleslaus' death, Jolenta and Kinga, along with one of Jolenta's daughters, retired to the Poor Clare monasteryMonastery
Monastery denotes the building, or complex of buildings, that houses a room reserved for prayer as well as the domestic quarters and workplace of monastics, whether monks or nuns, and whether living in community or alone .Monasteries may vary greatly in size – a small dwelling accommodating only...
Kinga had founded in Sandez
Nowy Sacz
Nowy Sącz is a town in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship in southern Poland. It is the district capital of Nowy Sącz County, but is not included within the powiat.-Names:...
. Forced to relocate due to armed conflict in the region, Jolenta founded a new monastery in Gniezno
Gniezno
Gniezno is a city in central-western Poland, some 50 km east of Poznań, inhabited by about 70,000 people. One of the Piasts' chief cities, it was mentioned by 10th century A.D. sources as the capital of Piast Poland however the first capital of Piast realm was most likely Giecz built around...
. She was persuaded to become Abbess
Abbess
An abbess is the female superior, or mother superior, of a community of nuns, often an abbey....
of the community shortly before her death.