Saints and Theology of the Heart - St. Wenceslaus


Duke of Bohemia
Martyr




Feast: September 28


Wenceslaus was born in Prague, Bohemia (present day Czech Republic) around the year 907, the eldest son of Vratislaus I, the Christian prince that was assassinated by the pagans.  This occurred when Wenceslaus was young and Drahomira, his pagan mother, acted as regent until he came of age. She opposed Christianity. 

Wenceslaus received a solid Christian formation from his grandmother Saint Ludmila, who was assassinated by the pagans before he was able to become King.  Around the year 925 he was made Duke of his country, having to endure many difficulties in the government and Christian formation of his subjects.  He was a true father to them.  He did everything possible to propagate the Christian faith.  He had a great reverence for priests.

His brother Boleslaus chose paganism and plotted the death of Wenceslaus.  He was assassinated by some hired assassins on September 28, 935, for political and religious reasons.  As a result, he was venerated as a martyr and is the principle patron of Bohemia.  Three years later his brother Boleslaus repented and transferred the remains of the martyr to the Church of Saint Vitus. 

He was proclaimed a saint in 1670.  Bohemia, Hungary and Poland honor him as their Patron.  
His remains can be venerated in the Cathedral of Saint Vitus in the city of Prague. 




Return to the Main Page on the Saints...


logo SCTJM
Return to main page
www.piercedhearts.org

This page is the work of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary