CHAPTER V -For Greater Things

In “FOR GREATER THINGS: The story of Saint Stanislaus Kostka,” Chapter V titled “SCHOOL DAYS” presents an engaging dive into Stanislaus Kostka’s early education in Vienna, a city thriving with culture and increasingly influenced by the Jesuits’ educational endeavors. Vienna, a staunchly Catholic city, was on the cusp of religious reform, making it a vibrant epicenter for diverse theological thoughts. The narrative unfolds in the mid-16th century, highlighting the establishment of a Jesuit college that Stanislaus joins. The Jesuit Fathers, known for their pioneering educational methods, provided an intimate learning environment, blending academics with spiritual growth and physical activities, reflecting the societal norms and expectations of nobility during that era.

The college emphasized a holistic curriculum, comprising languages, mathematics, and the limited science of the period, with Latin serving as the lingua franca, embodying the era’s educational and social nexus. Despite the nascent presence of Greek studies, the Jesuits’ pedagogical approach was less about rigor in every available subject and more about forming well-rounded individuals. The narrative also captures the time’s physical activities, such as swordplay and archery, mirroring the martial aspirations of the nobility.

Stanislaus, the protagonist, is portrayed as a paragon of academic and athletic prowess, yet it is his character that sets him apart. His popularity amongst peers was not merely due to his achievements but stemmed from his profound character, marked by piety, unselfishness, and an innate ability to love and inspire. His leadership in the college’s sodality, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, underscores his spiritual maturity and eloquence, making him a source of wisdom and inspiration for his fellow students. Stanislaus’ discourse on pious matters, devoid of timidity or affectation, reveals his deep integration of faith into his daily life, making the sacred an approachable and integral aspect of his being. Through this narrative, the chapter encapsulates the essence of Jesuit education that seeks not just to educate but to form individuals who embody excellence, faith, and service, as exemplified by Stanislaus Kostka’s early life at the Viennese college.