Erazm Ciołek

Erazm Ciołek (1474–1522) was a Polish diplomat and writer, Bishop of Płock from 1504 to his death. He was also the author of Ciołek's Missal, one of the oldest works of Polish literature, and patron of the artists. He is not to be confused with Erazm Ciołek from the same family, who received his Master's in 1512.

In 1503, with support of the king, he became the bishop of Płock, where he became known as a good administrator, protector of peasants. He became the patron of many artists (like Mikołaj Hussowczyk), and amassed a large book collection. He was also a writer and poet himself and his Ciołek's Missal is considered to be one of the oldest works of Polish literature. He funded many parishes and supported educational institutions (particularly monasteries), Ciołek enforced high standards of education and activity among his priesthood. He renovated the Cathedral of Płock, as well as many other churches.

Active in politics, due to intrigues by his opponents, he lost the favor of king Sigismund I the Old, and did not succeed in his goal of becoming a cardinal. He died in Rome in 1522.

Members of family Another member of the Ciołek family known by the same name, entered Kraków Academy in 1507, and upon graduation joined the Cistercian Monastery in Mogiła near Kraków where in 1522 he became an abbot. Erazm Ciołek of Mogiła restored the Monastery to its former glory, and served as ambassador to King Sigismund I. He was appointed Canon of Kraków in 1536 and the Suffragan Bishop in 1544. He died at the Mogiła Abbey on December 6, 1546.