I had never heard of St. Wenceslaus until I met a priest in Chile named Wencelaus. He was a wonderful theologian, priest, friend, and moderator of a group learning new ways to reach the Juniors and Seniors in our school by giving seminars in Religion rather than the regular schedule of classes. He made me want to know more about St. Wencelaus!
St. Wencelaus was raised a Christian by his grandmother, St. Ludmila. His mother opposed Christianity so when his father died, being urged by the people, Wenceslaus took the reins of government and placed his duchy under the protection of Germany. He introduced German priests and favored the Latin rite over the old Slavic one. He had taken a vow of virginity and was known for his virtues. He was murdered by his brother at the instigation of his mother! His body was hacked to pieces. His brother later repented and had the body taken to the Church of St. Vitus in Prague. He was acclaimed a martyr immediately after his death.
The Gospel has the question that Jesus still asks each one of us:
But who do you say that I am?
