Patron of the Czech Republic. Exemplary ruler

Today we celebrate the sanctity of a faithful layman who - never better said - was faithful to his baptism, loyally fulfilling his duties as ruler. Wenceslaus I (907-935), of Bohemia (what are today Slovakia and Czech Republic), grandson of Queen Ludmila (also a saint), was chosen to succeed his father Vratislaus. The “Slavonic Legend” tells us that Wenceslaus “helped all the poor, dressed the naked, fed the hungry, welcomed the pilgrims, according to the evangelical teachings”. Wenceslaus was murdered by the envy of his brother Boleslav. When there is no spirit of service tampering and jealousy thrive. Wenceslaus fell to the ground —at the gates of the Stará Boleslav’s church— saying: “At your hands, Lord, I entrust my spirit” (cf. Lk 23,46). —But the grain of wheat “if it dies, it produces many seeds” (Jn 12,24). Thus, a short time later, Boleslav regretted what he had done and had his brother's remains taken inside the St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague. Today, saint Wenceslas is the patron saint of the Czech Republic.