St. Wenceslas, Saint of the day for 28 September

(c.907-929)

The story of St. Wenceslas
If the saints have been falsely characterized as "other worldly", the life of Wenceslas is an example of the opposite: he defended Christian values ​​in the midst of the political intrigues that characterized XNUMXth century Bohemia.

Wenceslas was born in 907 near Prague, son of the Duke of Bohemia. His holy grandmother, Ludmilla, raised him and tried to promote him as ruler of Bohemia in place of his mother, who favored anti-Christian factions. Ludmila was eventually assassinated, but rival Christian forces allowed Wenceslaus to take over the government.

His rule was marked by unification efforts within Bohemia, Church support and peace negotiations with Germany, a policy that caused him trouble with the anti-Christian opposition. His brother Boleslav joined the plot and in September 929 invited Wenceslas to Alt Bunglou for the celebration of the feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian. On the way to mass, Boleslav attacked his brother and in the fight, Wenceslaus was killed by Boleslav's supporters.

Although his death was mainly due to political upheaval, Wenceslaus was hailed as a martyr of the faith and his tomb became a pilgrimage sanctuary. He is hailed as the patron saint of the Bohemian people and the former Czechoslovakia.

Reflection
The "good King Wenceslas" was able to embody his Christianity in a world full of political turmoil. Although we are often victims of violence of different kinds, we can easily identify with his struggle to bring harmony to society. The appeal is addressed to Christians to engage in social change and political activity; the values ​​of the gospel are extremely necessary today.