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Saint Stanislaus Kostka (October 28, 1550 – August 15, 1568)

He was born in the castle of Rostkowo, Poland, as the second son of a prominent Polish senator and noble family (John Kostka and Margaret Kryska).

At age 14, Stanislaus and his older brother, Paul, were sent to the Jesuit college in Vienna, Austria. While in Vienna, Paul frequently mocked and mistreated Stanislaus for his intense prayer life and devotion. Stanislaus fell gravely ill while living in the home of a Lutheran landlord who refused to allow a Catholic priest to enter for the sacraments.

Believing he was dying, he prayed to his patroness St. Barbara, who miraculously appeared with two angels to bring him Holy Communion. The Blessed Virgin Mary then appeared holding the Christ Child, placed Jesus into Stanislaus’s arms, and instructed him to enter the Society of Jesus. His health was restored.

Facing fierce opposition from his family and father—who wanted him to pursue a secular political career—Stanislaus fled Vienna in 1567.

Disguised as a pilgrim or beggar, he walked roughly 350 to 450 miles across Germany and the Alps (via Augsburg and Dillingen) to petition Father Peter Canisius, the Jesuit provincial. Canisius sent him to Rome, where he was welcomed and admitted into the Jesuit novitiate at Sant’Andrea al Quirinale by the Superior General, St. Francis Borgia, on October 28, 1567.

Stanislaus lived as a model novice for less than a year, embracing humility and quiet service. In August 1568, he fell ill with a high fever and predicted he would die on the Feast of the Assumption. He passed away peacefully in the early morning of August 15, 1568, at the age of 17.

Known for his famous guiding phrase,

“Ad maiora natus sum” which translates to “I was born for greater things”.

He was beatified in 1605 and canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726.

His liturgical feast day is celebrated on November 13, and he is recognized as the patron saint of youth, students, Jesuit novices, and seminarians.

His tomb rests in Rome at the Church of Sant’Andrea al Quirinale.

December 31st, 2026

will mark 300^th year anniversary

of Stanislaus Kostka becoming a Saint.