Saint Stanislaus Kostka | The 17-Year-Old Saint Who Longed for Heaven | Catholic Saint Story
On August 15, 1568, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a remarkable young Jesuit novice died in Rome. His name was Saint Stanislaus Kostka. He was only 17 years old. Born in Poland in 1550 to a noble family, Stanislaus was sent with his brother to study in Vienna. From an early age, he displayed an extraordinary desire for prayer, holiness, the Eucharist, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. But Stanislaus believed God was calling him even further: He wanted to become a Jesuit. His family strongly opposed the idea. When the Jesuits in Vienna would not accept him without parental permission, Stanislaus made an astonishing decision. HE WALKED HUNDREDS OF MILES TO FOLLOW GOD'S CALL Disguised in simple clothing, Stanislaus left Vienna and travelled on foot towards Germany. There he met Saint Peter Canisius, who recognised the young man's sincerity and vocation. …More