The “Apostle to the Slavs”

Today we reflect on the life of Saint Adalbert of Magdeburg (910–981) (teacher of Saint Adalbert of Prague), a Benedictine monk and great missionary of the tenth century. After working at the court of Otto I the Great, he left behind honors to enter the monastery of Trier. In the year 961, he was consecrated bishop and sent to Kievan Rus’ at the request of Princess Olga, but the mission failed and he had to flee after the death of his companions. Upon his return, he became abbot of Wissembourg and stood out for his discipline and love of study. In 968, Pope John XIII appointed him the first Archbishop of Magdeburg. From there he organized new dioceses such as Meissen and Brandenburg, founded schools, and trained missionaries. It is said that he personally encouraged his disciples before sending them to difficult lands. He died in 981 during a pastoral visit. The life of Saint Adalbert of Magdeburg teaches us that faith grows through effort, courage, and perseverance. Although the results were not immediate, his work earned him the title of “Apostle of the Slavs.”