St. Wenceslaus
Feast 09-28 · Canonized unknown
Patron of
About
Wenceslaus was born around 907, son of Duke Vratislaus I of Bohemia. Raised as a Christian by his grandmother Ludmila, he became duke of Bohemia around 921 while still young and ruled with a reputation for piety, justice, and care for the poor.
He promoted Christianity in Bohemia, built churches, and sought peace with neighboring rulers, though his reign was marked by conflict with his brother Boleslaus and their mother's faction. In 935 he was murdered by his brother's followers at the church door in Stara Boleslav.
He was soon venerated as a martyr and became the patron saint of Bohemia. He is also honored as the patron saint of brewers, and his feast is remembered in the carol Good King Wenceslas.
Suggested prayer
O God, who gave Wenceslaus a heart for the poor and received him as a martyr at the church door, grant through his intercession that brewers and all who labor may work in justice and peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
