Saint Who?
Saints Who Are Patrons of Peoples and Places
Saint Stephen of Hungary
Married layman († 1038) Feast: August 16
Born to the leader of the Magyars of Hungary around the year 970, Stephen was baptized at age ten. He married the sister of Saint Henry II (later the Holy Roman Emperor), Blessed Gisela, and soon succeeded his father. By the age of thirty, he had consolidated the various tribes and received papal approval to be crowned king of Hungary.
Stephen labored to foster the Catholic faith in his country, and raised his son Saint Emeric to do the same. “If you desire to honor the royal crown,” he admonished his son, “I advise, I counsel, I urge you above all things to maintain the Catholic and apostolic faith with such diligence and care that you may be an example for all those placed under you by God and that all the clergy may rightly call you a man of true Christian profession.” He was a strong defender of his country’s security as well.
Committed to giving all requested alms, Stephen also liked to visit the poor in disguise. On one such occasion, some beggars attacked and robbed him. He accepted the affront with cheer and humility, resolving to continue these expeditions. After Emeric was killed in a hunting accident, Stephen prepared for his own death, turning more deeply to prayer. He died on August 15, 1038, and was canonized forty-five years later. He is honored as the patron of his country.
Heavenly Father, through the prayers of Saint Stephen, inspire the leaders of every nation to cultivate
the virtue of religion.
