The Beginnings of the Church Career of Tomasz I, the Bishop of Wrocław, until Taking Over the Office (1232) Cover Image

Początki kościelnej kariery wrocławskiego biskupa Tomasza I do czasu objęcia biskupstwa (1232 r.)
The Beginnings of the Church Career of Tomasz I, the Bishop of Wrocław, until Taking Over the Office (1232)

Author(s): Mieczysław Kogut
Subject(s): History, History of Church(es), Local History / Microhistory
Published by: Papieski Wydział Teologiczny
Keywords: Silesia; Church; Tomasz I; Jeleńczycy; sacri ordines; doctor of canon law

Summary/Abstract: Tomasz I descended from Jelenie-Jeleńczycy family line. His father Przybysław was a castellan in Sądowel and a lord in Powidzk. His uncle Piotr (died in 1240) was a provost of a cathedral chapter. Tomasz I did not complete his education at the level of a local cathedral school but started further studies at foreign universities, undoubtedly in Italy, accomplished by winning a doctorate. Owing to his uncle’s patronage, he became a member of a cathedral chapter. He also acted as a chancellor of Henryk Brodaty. The Bishop Tomasz I belongs to a group of those Polish bishops from the beginning of the 13th century who are known to had possessed holy orders at the moment of taking up the position of a diocesan bishop, which that time was not a common practice. He was elected the Bishop of Wroclaw in 1232. It can be stated with the substantial degree of probability that Tomasz was a candidate of the Silesian ruler – it is proved by the fact that immediately before consecration he had held an office of the chancellor of prince.

  • Issue Year: 27/2019
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 149-165
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: English