Saint’s Life Story

Her Early Life  

Ludmila or Ludmilla was born in Mělník, Czech Republic around 860. She was the daughter of Slavibor, a Slavic prince who ruled in one of the smaller principalities, either directly in Bohemia, probably at Pšov Castle in the vicinity of today’s town of Mělník, or in nearby Lužice.

Married at Fifteen

At the age of 15, Ludmila was married to Bořivoj I or Boriwoi, Duke of Bohemia, who was the ruler of Central Bohemia. It was probably through the efforts of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, the ‘apostles of the Slavs’ that the couple were converted to Christianity in 874, becoming the first Christian rulers of the dukedom. Together with her husband, Ludmila was baptized. 

Unsuccessful In Converting Others

Their attempts to convert their Bohemian subjects were greeted with such hostility that for a time they were driven out of the land. But, after a while, they were able to return and ruled in peace for several years. With her hudband, Ludmila retired to Tetín, near Beroun, leaving their son Spytihněv to rule in his father’s place.

Widow

Ludmila’s husband was not even 40 years old when he died. This death left Ludmila a widow to raise her six children. Unfortunately, there is only information on two of her sons, Spytihněv and Vratislav. Ludmila managed to sustain the family’s influence until her eldest heir, Spytihněv could take the reigns of power on his own. However, after only two years Spytihněv died, and his brother Vratislav succeeded to the dukedom.

In-Law Problems

Ludmila became the governess of Wenceslas also known as Václav, her grandson, who was to rule in his father’s wake. She had been largely responsible for the upbringing of her grandson,  also known as Saint Wenceslaus. When Vratislav died in 921, Ludmila acted as regent educating the young Saint Wenceslaus. Vratislav’s wife, Drahomíra, had remained a pagan. She grew increasingly resentful of the influence of Ludmila had over their son.

Death

Drahomíra’s jealousy became so intense that on September 15, 921, she dispatched two assassins, Tunna and Gommon to murder Ludmila in her castle at Tetín. Tradition has it that they strangled Ludmila with her own veil in the Castle in Tetín, Czech Republic. For this reason, in art, Ludmila is usually depicted with a veil. Her body was initially buried in the castle church of St. Michael, but at some date before 1100 it was reinterred in the basilica of St George in Prague. 

Born :                  Around 860 in Mělník, Czech Republic

Died:                   September 15,  921 in her castle in Tetín, Czech Republic

Beatified:           Pre-Congregation

Canonized:        Pre-Congregation

Feast Day:          September 16

Patron Saint:    Against In-Law Problems; Bohemia; Czech Republic; Educators; Widows

Source:

• CatholicSaints.Info » Saint Ludmila
• St. Ludmila, patroness of Bohemia – European studies blog (typepad.co.uk)
• Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints: Bunson, Matthew, Bunson, Margaret, Bunson, Stephen
• Saint Ludmila – 1100 years since the death of the first Czech saint – Prague.eu
• Ludmila of Bohemia – Wikipedia

Prayers

Video Link

Saint Ludmila “The first pearl and the first flower of Bohemia” – YouTube (Heralds of the Gospel)