Bones

A fortnight ago devout peasants, bourgeois, knelt for 100 miles on both low banks of the river between Warsaw and Rostkow, Poland. On a vessel proceeding slowly up the stream to the Catholic convention at Warsaw were two golden shrines encased in oaken caskets about which 200 priests busied themselves in continuous devotion. One shrine contained many bones of Stanislas Kostka, patron saint of Poland's youth. The other shrine housed his remaining bones which were presented to the Catholic Church at Zakroczyn, where the saint's uncle was a onetime governor.

As the bleached relics were paraded through the drizzly streets of Warsaw, 200,000 church dignitaries, Catholic societies, humble worshipers led by Cardinal Alexander Kakowski walked through the streets gleaming in the garish flicker of flambeaux and lanterns. Finally the precious saintly casket was taken to the vieux carre of the city and placed in the Jesuit Church, from which the next day it was removed after the convention opening, and whisked back by automobile, to Rostkow, the saint's birthplace.

In 1550 unto one John Kostva, Polish senator and Lord of Zakroczym was born a manchild, the second of seven babes. Six had the innocent mien common to all infants, but Stanislas' round countenance shone with a piety known only to cherubim and seraphim. He grew up, studied at Vienna, there early displayed beatific proficiency. Said his brother Paul: "He devoted himself to spiritual things so completely that he frequently became unconscious. . . . This happened at home to my brother when he was seated at the table. . . ." Then Paul, vexed, maltreated Stanislas who answered, "Your rough treatment will end in my going away. . . ." Paul swore at Stanislas.

The saintly youth did go away, went to Rome where he entered the Society of Jesus in 1567 and died within a year of a chest* affliction. All Poland acclaimed the virtues of Stanislas, and in 1605 the Pope recognized the youth's wide popularity, gave him a niche among the Church's galaxy of saints.

* Hence he is today invoked by Roman Catholics for palpitation of the heart.