St. Stanislaus Kostka

Stanislaus Kostka was born into a Polish noble family and sent to study with the Jesuits at Vienna. His serious life of prayer brought him into conflict with his elder brother and tutor, who wanted him to take a greater part in their social life. Butler describes his perseverance through ridicule and harsh treatment, together with his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

His desire to enter the Society of Jesus met another obstacle in his father’s opposition. Since the superiors at Vienna would not receive him in those circumstances, he left for Germany and sought the help of Peter Canisius. After trying his willingness to perform humble work, Canisius sent him to Rome. There Francis Borgia admitted him to the Jesuit novitiate in 1567.

Stanislaus gave himself to the ordinary duties of a novice with remarkable care. Butler emphasizes obedience, humility and prayer rather than public achievement. His father’s angry letter did not make him abandon his vocation, though his reply remained respectful. He died on the feast of the Assumption in 1568, before completing a year in the novitiate. His November commemoration is distinct from that August date of death.