Saint John, sometimes called John Cantius, was born in the Polish town of Kanty in 1390. Not much is recorded about his early life, however, he was a bright young man who did well in his studies at the university in Krakow. He earned his doctorate in philosophy and went on to be ordained and earn a doctorate in theology as well.

He began teaching at the university immediately following the conferring of his doctorate in philosophy. Unfortunately, his popularity worked against him, and he was dismissed from his post on false charges. Saint John was reassigned to a post as a parish priest in the town of Olkusz, Bohemia. His parishioners did not receive him with open arms, and he was unsettled in his new position. But John did not give up, his honest care for the people of his parish eventually endeared him to them.

After a time, he was invited back to the university and he returned to teaching, filling leadership roles in the philosophy and theological areas until the end of his long life. Saint John deeply cared for the poor, giving everything but only what he needed to survive away. He lived an aesthetic life but was such an engaging man that he often dined with nobility.

Saint John of Kanty died on December 24, 1473. He was canonized in 1767, by Pope Clement XIII.