St. Stanislaus Kostka

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Born: 28 October 1550 at Rostkovo, Poland

Died: between 3 and 4 a.m. of 15 August, feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1568 at Rome, Italy from a high fever

Canonized: 31 December 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII

Patronage: against broken bones, aspirants to the Oblates of Saint Joseph, last sacraments, Poland.

Also known as Stanislaw Kostka

Born to the Polish nobility, the son of a senator. Attended the Viennese Jesuit college from age 14 with his brother Paul, who badly mistreated him. While staying at the home of a Lutheran, he became gravely ill, but was not allowed to call for a priest. He prayed to his personal patron, Saint Barbara, who appeared to him in a vision with two angels, and administered Communion. He was then cured from his disease by Our Lady who told him to become a Jesuit, though it was against his family’s wishes. Attended the Jesuit college in Rome, Italy. Friend of Saint Peter Canisius. Jesuit novice from 28 October 1567. Student of Saint Francis Borgia.