Good King Wenceslas looked out on the feast of Stephen when the snow lay round about

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Rob2

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St Wenceslas

Celebrated on September 28th

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Patron saint of Bohemia. Duke and martyr. Born in 907, the name of St Wenceslas was immortalised in the Victorian Christmas carol, based on a much earlier song. But very little facts are known about his real life.


He was a devoted Christian who worked for the religious and educational improvement of his people. He accepted German rule, recognising King Henry the Fowler as the successor to Charlemagne. He was murdered in 929 by his brother Boleslaw’s pagan followers.

A huge cult formed around him soon after death, centred on the church of St Vitus in Prague where his relics were brought. The Crown of Wenceslas was taken as a symbol of Czech nationalism. A series of paintings at the castle of Karlstein underline his national as well as religious importance.
(from ICN)
 
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Saint Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil, may God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, O’ Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen.

†

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

†

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

†
 
Thanks for the spelling correction @Irishmom2 . 😀

You might like this Irish Rovers’ version . 😉


A nice picture of Good King Wenceslas .

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Here in the Czech republic (which is state where the Bohemia was before) is not this carol very known. But we have something better. Saint Wenceslas Chorale. It is probably oldest known piece of czech music. Originaly it is from 12th century and we sing somewhat modernized version of it at the mass on Saint Wenceslaus day.

English translation of the text:
  1. Saint Wenceslas, Duke of the land of Bohemia, Prince of ours, pray for us to God, to the Holy Ghost! Kyrie eleison!
  2. Beautiful is the heavenly kingdom, happy are those who shall proceed there: towards life eternal, the shining fire of the Holy Ghost, Kyrie eleison.
  3. We plead for your intercession, have mercy upon us, comfort the grieving, repel all evil, Saint Wenceslas! Kyrie eleison.
 
Because his grandmother Ludmila had encouraged Wenceslas in Christian beliefs, his mother Drahomíra had Ludmila killed September 15, 921, and Ludmila became a saint. Drahomíra decided it was high time her son became a pagan, but she found it impossible to persuade Wenceslas. In fact, during 924 or 925, Wenceslas sent her out of the country.

I am puzzled by Drahomira: so she had Wenceslas’ grandmother (who raised her son) killed, and yet expected that she would persuade him of ANYTHING?? I guess she was the 10th century equivalent of clueless.
 
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