Saintly Saturday - St. Wenceslaus


Born near Prague around the year 907, St. Wenceslaus was the son of Duke Wratislaw of Bohemia. Wenceslaus was raised by his Christian grandmother, who helped promote him as ruler of Bohemia in place of his anti-Christian mother (who ruled after Wratislaw's death). His grandmother, for all her efforts, was murdered, but Wenceslaus was able to assume leadership thanks to Christian supporters. 

Through his strong Christian values, the goals & efforts of his rule were uniting the Bohemian people, Church support, & negotiating peace with Germany. That last one was an issue with anti-Christians, including his brother, Boleslav. Heading to Mass on the feast of Sts. Cosmas & Damian, he was attacked by Boleslav & killed by his brother's supporters. 

While this was a politically motivated murder, he is considered a martyr for the Faith because of his strong Christian values which influenced his leadership. 

St. Wenceslaus is the patron saint of Bohemia & the former Czechoslovakia. We celebrate his feast day on September 28.

In case you're wondering, the Christmas Carol, Good King Wenceslaus is based on his life & tells the story of his care for the poor. Classic History's website HERE gives more insight into the Carol & the legend around it.

St. Wenceslaus, Pray for Us!

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