(Short Version)
September 28: Saint Wenceslaus, Martyr—Optional Memorial
c. 907–929
Patron Saint of brewers, Czech Republic, Bohemia, and Slovakia
Pre-Congregation canonization
Wenceslaus, the saint we honor today, was born in Bohemia, present-day western Czech Republic to his Catholic father, Vratislaus I, Duke of Bohemia, and his pagan mother, Princess Drahomíra, who came from a Slavic tribe. It was a transitional and tense period in Bohemia’s history as Christianity began replacing pagan practices. The division was palpable in the duke’s household. Duchess Drahomíra, Wenceslaus’ mother, staunchly opposed Christianity, in contrast to her Christian mother-in-law, husband, and sons. Of them all, Ludmila was exceptionally devout and ensured that both her son and grandson, Wenceslaus, were nurtured in the Catholic faith.
Upon Duke Vratislaus’ death, thirteen-year-old Wenceslaus became duke. Given his youth, he needed guidance until he was old enough to govern on his own. His grandmother, Ludmila, eagerly undertook this role, encouraging her grandson to bolster the Catholic faith, much to Drahomíra’s chagrin. According to one legend, within a few years of Wenceslaus’ ascension, Drahomíra orchestrated Ludmilla’s assassination, and she was strangled with a scarf in her castle. Shortly thereafter, Ludmila was canonized, by popular demand of the people.
With Ludmila eliminated, Drahomíra initiated a persecution of the Catholic faith. Catholics were ousted from public positions, churches were shut, and Catholic teachings prohibited. However, this oppression was short-lived. As Wenceslaus matured, Catholic nobles pressed him to exert control and counter his mother’s directives. Heartbroken by his mother’s actions, Wenceslaus still accorded her respect, but he began to dismantle her anti-Catholic mandates, ultimately banishing her.
Duke Wenceslaus was a devout Catholic. He yearned for all of Bohemia to embrace Christianity and sought to fulfill this mission by fervent prayers. Diligent in his daily duties, he would frequently devote entire nights to prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. He practiced regular penances, beautified the church, and took joy in preparing bread for the Mass, which he attended daily.
Early biographers note an episode in which a neighboring prince aimed to annex Bohemia and obliterate Catholicism. Wenceslaus led his army to confront the prince. As they clashed, Wenceslaus proposed a duel, with the victor ruling Bohemia. The prince consented, but as they charged, two enormous angels shielded Wenceslaus, sending fear into the prince and prompting him to repent.
Wenceslaus’ reign was tragically short. In his twenties, his mother, who savored power, orchestrated his assassination, designating her younger son as the executioner. Boleslaus invited Wenceslaus to a meal and then slew his own brother. Wenceslaus’ last words are recorded as, “May God forgive you, brother.” Shortly after, Wenceslaus was venerated as a martyr and saint,
