CHAPTER IV -For Greater Things

In Chapter IV of “For Greater Things: The Story of Saint Stanislaus Kostka,” the narrative follows the journey of Stanislaus and his brother Paul as they embark on an adventure to continue their education in Vienna. Their father, the Lord John Kostka, arranges for a young tutor, John Bilinski, to accompany them, providing servants and good horses for the six hundred miles or more trek on horseback. The brothers’ journey is characterized by their interaction with the natural world and the people they meet along the way.

Stanislaus, nearly fourteen, and his brother, approaching fifteen, relish the challenge and beauty of their journey across diverse landscapes. They ride through open fields, mountain torrents, across great rivers, and alongside the foothills of the Carpathian mountains, spending nights under the stars. The boys’ travel reflects the era’s mode of transportation, where the wealthy rode horses and the poor traveled on foot across Europe’s great highways and more remote paths.

Encounters with various people en route highlight Stanislaus’s compassionate and noble character. His interactions with peasants and travelers showcase his humility and desire for spiritual connection. Stanislaus often dismounts to let weary travelers ride his horse, engaging in conversations that reveal his longing for heaven and eternal values beyond earthly wealth and stature.

Stanislaus’s kindness leaves a lasting impression on those he meets, whether it is tar burners, frontiersmen, or peasants. Through acts of generosity and his discussions about heavenly aspirations, Stanislaus appears as a figure of light and inspiration, touching lives with notions of divine aspiration and equality in the eyes of God.

As the brothers progress towards Vienna, their journey symbolizes not merely a physical transition but an exploration of spiritual and social ideals. Stanislaus’s actions and words demonstrate an understanding of life’s greater purpose, showing his early recognition of his calling and the impact of faith and charity on those around him.