Every year on November 13, the Archdiocese of Vienna celebrates St. Stanislaus Kostka, a young Polish saint who dedicated his life to God in the 16th century. The celebration begins with an eight-day octave of services and prayers at the historic St. Stanislaus Kostka Chapel, one of the last private chapels in the city still used for religious events. Throughout the octave, the chapel opens its doors to faithful visitors and curious onlookers eager to experience this unique tradition.
Joanna Łukaszuk-RitterIn keeping with its Polish roots, octave celebrations include Polish-language masses along with German-language services, conducted primarily by Vienna’s Jesuit priests. This year’s events are being broadcast live on Radio Droga (radiodroga.net), a Polish Catholic station in Vienna. Radio Droga has introduced additional prayers, such as the Angelus and Rosary, allowing visitors to participate in their language.
A 200-year tradition
The St. Stanislaus Kostka Octave has a rich history dating back more than two centuries, with historical records and countless publications documenting the unique celebrations. In the past, multiple daily Masses attracted high-ranking clergy, members of the Habsburg family, and many other pilgrims.
The importance of Vienna’s St. Stanislaus Chapel was underscored in 1877, when Pope Pius IX issued the decree, Ad perpetuam rei memoriam, granting a plenary indulgence to those who visit the chapel on November 13, St. Stanislaus’ feast day, or during the octave.
Joanna Łukaszuk-RitterA historic setting
The chapel is located on the first floor of a townhouse on the corner of Kurrentgasse and Steindlgasse, in the same room where St. Stanislaus Kostka lived. It was here, in the midst of intense mystical experiences, that he felt called to dedicate himself entirely to God. Just 15 years after his death, the room was converted into a chapel.
In the mid-18th century, Barbara Koller von Mohrenfels, a widow known for her generosity to the Church, renovated the chapel, adding marble accents and elaborate Rococo decorations. Today, it retains this 18th-century charm, offering a unique and historic setting for octave celebrations that continue to attract pilgrims from Austria, Poland, Croatia and beyond.
A new guide for visitors
To mark the beginning of this year’s octave, a bilingual mini-guide has been launched in Polish and German. It offers a new look at the story of St. Stanislaus’ life and intriguing facts about the chapel and his home at Kurrentgasse 2. This pocket guide is designed to enrich visitors’ experience as they explore the chapel and take part in this cherished Viennese tradition.
