Saint Wenceslaus I

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Saint Wenceslaus I
Feast Day	September 28
Liturgical Class
Patronage	Bohemia; Czech Republic; brewers; Prague
Birthplace	Prague (or Stochov), Duchy of Bohemia
Death Place	Stará Boleslav, Duchy of Bohemia
Cause of Death	martyrdom
Primary Shrine	St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague, Czech Republic

Saint Wenceslaus I (Czech: Svatý Václav; c. 907 – 28 September 935), also known as Wenceslas, was Duke of Bohemia from 921 until his martyrdom in 935 and is the patron saint of the Czech lands. Born to Duke Vratislaus I and Drahomíra of the Havolans, he was raised Christian by his grandmother Saint Ludmila after his father’s death in 921. Succeeding at age 13 under his mother’s regency, Wenceslaus assumed full rule c. 925, promoting Christianity, justice, and German missionary activity while maintaining Bohemian independence from the East Frankish Empire.

Assassinated on 28 September 935 at Stará Boleslav by his younger brother Boleslaus the Cruel and noble accomplices, allegedly during a dispute over pro-Christian policies and German influence, Wenceslaus was immediately venerated as a martyr. Canonized by ancient cultus, his feast is 28 September. Patron of Bohemia, the Czech Republic, brewers, and Prague, he is immortalized in the Christmas carol “Good King Wenceslas.”

Biography

Birth

Saint Wenceslaus was born c. 907, probably in Prague or Stochov, to Duke Vratislaus I and Drahomíra.

Early Life

Raised by his grandmother Saint Ludmila after his father’s death; succeeded at age 13 under regency.

Occupation

Duke of Bohemia 921–935.

Vocation

Wenceslaus’ royal vocation combined Christian piety with just governance; he promoted monasteries, protected clergy, and redeemed slaves.

Death

Saint Wenceslaus was murdered on 28 September 935 at Stará Boleslav by his brother Boleslaus and accomplices.

Saint Wenceslaus met his end through martyrdom.

Significant events

• Assumed full rule of Bohemia, c. 925.
• Founded rotunda of St. Vitus in Prague.
• Murdered at Stará Boleslav, 935.
• Relics translated to St. Vitus Cathedral, 938.

Significant locations

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Legend

• Birth location: None
• Death location: Stará Boleslav, Duchy of Bohemia
• Notable location: Tomb and primary shrine (St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle, 119 08 Prague 1, Czech Republic)
• Notable location: Site of martyrdom (Basilica of St. Wenceslaus, Stará Boleslav, Czech Republic)
• Notable location:
• Notable location:
• Notable location:

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Parishes

Saint Wenceslaus I
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• https://www.stwenceslaus.org
• https://npcatholic.org
• https://stwenc-ic.com/about-us
• https://stwenceslaus.website
• https://catholicchurch.directory/mass-times/md_baltimore_st-wenceslaus-parish
• http://www.stwenc.org
• https://stwenceslausnd.com

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Shrines

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Canonization

Canonized by ancient cultus; veneration confirmed from 10th century.

Miracles

Traditions include:

• Healing spring at Stará Boleslav.
• Posthumous vengeance against assassins.

Patronage

Saint Wenceslaus is patron of Bohemia, the Czech Republic, brewers, and Prague.

Feast day

September 28

Veneration

Saint Wenceslaus is venerated on 28 September as Czech Statehood Day. Skull reliquary in St. Vitus Cathedral.

External links

• New Advent: St. Wenceslaus
• Catholic Online: St. Wenceslaus

Videos

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq7gBaBqbKY
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwJNKSWBV7s
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRSmcvbYeuY