Saint Stephen of Hungary, Saint of the day for August 16

(975 - August 15, 1038)

Story of St. Stephen of Hungary
The Church is universal, but its expression is always influenced, for better or for worse, by the local culture. There are no "generic" Christians; there are Mexican Christians, Polish Christians, Filipino Christians. This fact is evident in the life of Stephen, the national hero and spiritual patron of Hungary.

Born a pagan, he was baptized around the age of 10, together with his father, leader of the Magyars, a group that emigrated to the Danube area in the 20th century. At 1001 he married Gisela, sister of the future emperor, Sant'Enrico. When he succeeded his father, Stephen adopted a policy of Christianizing the country for both political and religious reasons. It suppressed a series of uprisings by pagan nobles and united the Magyars into a strong national group. He asked the pope to provide for the organization of the Church in Hungary and also requested that the pope confer upon him the title of king. He was crowned on Christmas Day XNUMX.

Stephen established a system of tithes to support churches and pastors and to relieve the poor. Out of 10 cities, one had to build a church and support a priest. He abolished pagan customs with some violence and commanded everyone to marry, except clergy and religious. It was easily accessible to all, especially the poor.

In 1031, his son Emeric died and the rest of Stephen's days were embittered by the controversy over his successor. His grandchildren tried to kill him. He died in 1038 and was canonized, together with his son, in 1083.

Reflection
God's gift of holiness is a Christian love for God and for humanity. Sometimes love must have a stern aspect for the highest good. Christ attacked the hypocrites among the Pharisees, but died forgiving them. Paul excommunicated the incestuous man of Corinth "so that his spirit may be saved." Some Christians fought the Crusades with noble zeal, despite the unworthy motives of others.

Today, after senseless wars and with a deeper understanding of the complex nature of human motives, we are backing away from any use of violence, physical or "silent". This healthy development continues as people debate whether it is possible for a Christian to be an absolute pacifist or whether sometimes evil must be forcibly rejected.