It was “constant prayer, frequent Confession, daily Holy Mass, spiritual work on himself” that “formed the “holiness” of Polish Saint Stanislaw Kostka (1550-1568), “already in the years of his youth,” stressed Pope Francis.
On greeting “warmly” the Polish pilgrims, during the General Audience of Wednesday, September 20, 2017 in St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Father recalled the life of Saint Stanislaw Kostka, “patron of children and of young people.”
“Desirous of giving a higher end to his life, closely linked to God,” Stanislaw Kostka joined the Jesuits against his parents’ will,” said the Pope.
“His example reminds parents and young people that the prospect of attaining a social position must not close their ears to the Lord’s call,” he stressed.
Stanislaw Kostka was born to a noble family on October 28, 1550 at Rostkowo, in Poland.
Very pious, he had great love for the Virgin and already at 14 he wished to enter the Society of Jesus, but the Jesuits refused the admission of such young candidates.
During a serious illness in 1566, he had a mystical experience: he received a visit from Saint Barbara, who brought him Communion. On the day of his recovery, he took the definitive decision to join the Jesuits.
Stanislaw died in Rome on August 15, 1568, after having begun his noviciate.
Pope Benedict XIII canonized him on December 31, 1726.
JF
