Patron of BohemiaThe father of ST. Wenceslaus, Vratislaus, Duke of Bohemia, was a Christian; but his mother Drahomira, a pagan, was a wicked and cruel woman. Fortunately for St. Wenceslaus, he was educated under the care of his saintly grandmother, St. Ludmila, with whose efforts he fully corresponded. At Budweis, about sixty miles from Prague, he went to a college where he made great progress in learning. His father died while he was still young, and Drahomira, assuming the tittle of Regent, gave vent to her hatred of Christianity by a cruel persecution.
At the advice of his grandmother, St. Wenceslaus finally took the government into his own hands; but to prevent disputes between him and his brother, Boleslaus, the people divided the territory between them, giving to Boleslaus a considerable share. The later, who had been under the influence of his mother, had acquired her hatred of the Christian religion. The pious Wenceslaus led the life of a Saint in the midst of his court, distinguishing himself by his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
The Saint’s piety and his severity against the oppressions of the nobility caused to join the faction of his mother. Being treacherously invited to the court of Boleslaus after the festivities, he went at midnight to pray in the church. The assassins found him there and the mortal blow was given him by his own brother, Boleslaus. His death occurred in 929/935.
PRAYER: God, You taught St. Wenceslaus to prize the Kingdom of heaven more than his earthly reign. Grant, through his prayers, that we may deny ourselves and cling to You with our whole heart. Amen.