St. Stanislaus Kostka

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Saint Details

St. Stanislaus Kostka, born in 1550 in Poland, was a Jesuit novice who led a deeply spiritual life. Despite his young age, he displayed extraordinary devotion to God and his faith. He entered the Jesuit order at the age of 17 and passed away in 1568, only one year later, at the age of 18. Canonized in 1726, he is remembered as the patron saint of Poland, youth, and students.

St. Stanislaus Kostka was born into a noble family in Poland on October 28, 1550. His early life was marked by deep religious devotion, and he showed a keen interest in spiritual matters from a very young age. As a child, he was known for his commitment to prayer and piety, which set him apart from many of his peers. Despite his noble background, he felt a calling to the religious life and sought to become a member of the Jesuit order.

At the age of 14, Stanislaus was sent to the Jesuit College in Vienna to study, but his health began to deteriorate due to the harsh conditions and the friction between him and his family’s wishes. His family had initially intended for him to pursue a more secular path, but Stanislaus felt a strong desire to serve God. His spiritual zeal led him to make a courageous decision: he left the college and secretly traveled to the Jesuit house in Rome, where he sought to join the order.

Stanislaus’ decision to follow his faith was met with opposition from his family, who initially sought to stop him from becoming a Jesuit. However, he persevered, and in 1567, at the age of 17, he officially entered the Jesuit novitiate. His time with the order was brief, but during this period, he displayed remarkable religious devotion, often spending long hours in prayer and meditation.

Stanislaus’ health continued to decline during his time as a novice. He suffered from illness and exhaustion, but he never wavered in his faith. His spiritual fervor was exemplified in the extraordinary visions he experienced, and his dedication to God seemed to only increase despite his physical suffering. He died on August 15, 1568, just a year after joining the Jesuits. He was only 18 years old at the time of his death.

Stanislaus Kostka’s legacy lives on through his canonization by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726. His feast day is celebrated on November 13th, and he is the patron saint of Poland, youth, and students. St. Stanislaus is revered for his purity of heart, youthful zeal for Christ, and unwavering commitment to the religious life. His example serves as an inspiration for young people and those pursuing a vocation in religious life.

His canonization was a significant event, as it highlighted the impact of his brief life. The saint’s devotion and spiritual strength, particularly in the face of suffering and early death, have made him a beloved figure in the Catholic Church. His story continues to inspire many, especially those in search of a life of holiness, humility, and service to God.

Feast Day

13-11-1726

Birth Date

28-10-1550

Died Date

15-8-1568

Canonised Date

31-12-1726

The Jesuit Church in Rome, Italy

"St. Stanislaus Kostka, faithful servant of God, you devoted your life to prayer, purity, and service. Intercede for us, that we may grow in holiness and faith. Help us to trust in God's plan and follow His will with courage and joy. Through your example, may we be inspired to live lives of love and devotion. Amen."
ST. STANISLAUS KOSTKA

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ST. STANISLAUS KOSTKA

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Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
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Saint Companions for Each Day
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