August 16
Saint Stephen of Hungary
King and Confessor
(Around 975 – 1038)
“Be humble in this life, that God may raise you up in the next. Be gentle so that you may never oppose justice. Be honorable so that you may never voluntarily bring disgrace upon anyone. Be chaste so that you may avoid all the foulness of lust like the pangs of death.”
Saint Stephen of Hungary
Saint’s Life Story
Baptized by a Future Saint
Stephen was born as Vajk around 975 in Esztergom, Hungary. He was the son of Magyar viodode (duke) of Geza. He was baptized around 985 by the Bishop, Saint Adalbert of Prague, at the same time as his father. He was christened as Stephen.
Married and Grand Prince
Stephen married Gisela, the sister of Duke Henry III of Bavaria (who was to become Emperor Henry II in 1002). The wedding ceremony took place at the Scheyern castle and was celebrated by Saint Adalbert. Stephen became the ruler of Magyars after his father’s death in 997. Stephen convoked an assembly at Esztergom where his supporters declared him grand prince. Stephen devoted much of his reign to the promoting the Christian faith. He supported Church leaders, helped build churches, ordered tithes to be paid for their support, and was a proponent of the rights of the Pope.
First King of Hungary
Through a series of wars against rival leaders who opposed his Christianization policies. Stephen consolidated the country. In recognition of his effort, Stephen was anointed the first King of Hungary with a crown and cross sent to him by Pope Sylvester II.
Established First Archbishop
Stephen organized a hierarchy under Saint Astrik, who became Hungary’s first archbishop. Stephen finished building St. Marthas Monastery that was begun by his father. He inaugurated widespread reforms, including a new legal system and a reorganization of the kingdom’s government.
Generous to the Poor
His crown became a beloved symbol of the Hungarian nation. Stephen was venerated as an ideal Christian king that was extremely generous to the poor and ruled wisely. Stephen united the Magyars and was the founder of an independent Hungary. In his later years, Stephen dealt with squabbles over the succession for king. Sadly his only son Saint Emeric was tragically killed in a hunting accident in 1031. Stephen died on August 15, 1038 in Szekesfehervar, Hungary. However, his feast day is August 16. Stephen is the patron saint of Hungary.
Beatified: Around 975 in Esztergom, Hungary
Died: August 15, 1038 in Szekesfehervar, Hungary
Beatified: Not Available
Canonized: August 20, 1083 by Pope Saint Gregory VII
Feast Day: August 16
Patron Saint: Hungary
Sources:
Reflection
I live in a city that used to have 10 Catholic Churches. Just imagine if in your town or area, there were no churches for you to worship the Lord, receive the Eucharist at Mass and go to confession. Saint Stephen of Hungary had a church built at one of every ten towns in Hungary that was previously filled with pagans.
Are you thankful for the church nearby where you live that is available to you and your family to worship God, receive the Eucharist and absolve your sins at confession? Pray today to Jesus and his mother Mary for all those people in areas of the world where there are not churches available to worship.
Prayers
St Stephen of Hungary, you were crowned king and worked to unite Hungary while growing Christianity. However, your position of power did not stop you from seeing Christ in every poor person. You tried to help the poor in so many ways. We ask for your intercession that we may follow in your footsteps seeing Christ in all the people that we encounter during our daily journey. Give us the grace, strength, and wisdom to help them by being there when they need us the most. Do not forget: the poor are the treasures of the Church and the hidden presence of Christ himself among you!
St. Stephen of Hungary, pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
Aleteia – St. Stephen of Hungary’s greatest treasure was his Catholic faith
All Saints & Martyrs – St. Stephen of Hungary
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 16 August – St Stephen of Hungary (c 975- 1038) Apostle of Hungary
Catholic Exchange – St. Stephen I of Hungary
Catholic Fire – St. Stephen of Hungary: The King who converted his country to Catholicism
Catholic Ireland – St Stephen of Hungary (975-1038) King, Patron
Catholic News Agency – St. Stephen of Hungary
CatholicSaints.Info – Saint Stephen of Hungary
Franciscan Media – Saint Stephen of Hungary
Loyola Press – Saint Stephen of Hungary Feast Day August 16
My Catholic Life – Saint Stephen of Hungary
New Advent – Ott, M. (1912). St. Stephen. In The Catholic Encyclopedia.
Saint Mary Press – Saint Stephen of Hungary
uCatholic – Saint Stephen the Great
Wikipedia – Stephen of Hungary
Video Link
St. Stephen of Hungary – YouTube (Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network – USA)