Relics and the Pope’s Blessing
Already at the end of May this year, this initiative was presented to Pope Leo XIV. The Holy Father then blessed a reliquary in the form of an oak suitcase, containing the relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis and St. Stanislaus Kostka, which will accompany the pilgrims on their journey. The Pope also personally launched a mobile application developed specifically for this event. As a gift from the Polish delegation, he received an official pilgrim’s T-shirt with the route printed on it and his name.
Start at a place connected with St. Stanislaus Kostka
Archbishop Josef Grünwidl of Vienna will also grant a solemn blessing to the pilgrims on the day the pilgrimage begins. This will take place on July 4, at 9:00 AM, in the Chapel of St. Stanislaus Kostka at Kurrentgasse 2. The chapel is located in the building where Stanislaus lived from 1565-1567, while he was a student at the Jesuit college. This is the most important memorial site for the Polish saint in Austria, which remains a living testament to his spiritual heritage to this day. There, at 9:00 AM, Archbishop Josef Grünwidl will meet with a group of young pilgrims to give them his blessing after a joint prayer. Afterwards, at 10:00 AM, a solemn bilingual Polish-German Holy Mass will be held in the nearby Am Hof church, presided over by Bishop Szymon Stułkowski, Ordinary of Płock. Immediately after the service, the pilgrims will set off on the first stage of the pilgrimage – from the very same place from which, in August 1567, the young man from Rostkowo began his historic walking journey.
On the path of vocation to Rome
The route, approximately 1700 kilometers long, follows in the footsteps of Stanislaus Kostka, who traversed it alone in the 16th century, pursuing his vocation to the Society of Jesus. Against his family’s will, he left Vienna and traveled on foot through Augsburg and Dillingen – where he met with the then provincial, Peter Canisius – to Rome. There, he was admitted to the novitiate of the Society of Jesus by the General of the Order, Francis Borgia. Just ten months later, on August 15, 1568, he died at the age of 17. He was canonized on December 31, 1726, by Pope Benedict XIII.
Patron of Youth and a Testament of Faith
In an invitation addressed to Viennese parishes, Episcopal Vicar Fr. Dariusz Schutzki called Stanislaus Kostka “the patron of youth and a shining example for young people who want to bravely live their faith and listen to God’s call.” The spiritual journey to Rome is intended to encourage young people to openly explore their vocation and consciously bear witness to their faith.
Ten Weeks of Pilgrimage Relay
The pilgrimage is organized as a relay. For ten weeks, from July 4 to September 14, successive, changing groups – mainly from the Diocese of Płock – including youth, seminarians, nuns, priests, and bishops, will embark on the pilgrim trail. Participants will follow historical pilgrimage routes – such as the Way of St. James or the Via Romea Germanica – through Austria, southern Germany, and Italy. Visits to over 70 parishes are planned, where they will pray together with local communities for priestly and religious vocations in the Church.
Family News Service / Joanna Łukaszuk-Ritter
