Patron Saint Wenceslaus

St. Wenceslaus was the Duke of Bohemia during the tenth century. He was assassinated by his younger brother and some nobles. He was named the patron saint of the Czech Republic and Prague. He is also the patron saint of brewers.

St. Wenceslaus was known for his charitable works, feeding the poor, clothing the naked, and offering his hospitality to all people.

When St. Wenceslaus was attacked by his brother and the other assassins, he fled to a church, seeking shelter. The men stabbed him anyway. St. Wenceslaus died saying, "Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." He died a martyr's death.

The following song, Good King Wenceslaus, was written in honor of his charitable deeds and works of mercy. Many Catholics, especially those from the Czech Republic wear a St. Wenceslaus medal or a St. Wenceslaus medallion, honoring their patron saint. Wearing a St. Wenceslaus necklace is a reminder to all Catholics to perform charitable works every day in the name of Jesus Christ.

Good King Wenceslaus

Good King Wenceslas looked out, on the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even;
Brightly shone the moon that night, tho' the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight, gath'ring winter fuel.

"Hither, page, and stand by me, if thou know'st it, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain;
Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me flesh, and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither:
Thou and I will see him dine, when we bear them thither."
Page and monarch, forth they went, forth they went together;
Through the rude wind's wild lament and the bitter weather.

"Sire, the night is darker now, and the wind blow stronger;
Fails my heart, I know not how; I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page. Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage freeze thy blood less coldly."

In his master's steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing.