St John of Kanty was named after his birthplace, Kant, in the countryside of Poland. He was appointed Professor of Philosophy theology and scripture at the University of Krakow after his priestly ordination. He became well known among the city's residents and his students for his generosity and compassion toward the poor. By the time he died, John was so well-loved that his veneration began immediately. He was declared the Patron Saint of Poland and Lithuania in 1737, thirty years before his canonisation.