St. Ludmila is a favorite of people of Czech heritage and in-laws; and the patroness of Bohemia. She is the grandmother of the famed St. Wenceslaus and was instrumental in the spread of Christianity in Bohemia during her reign and that of her grandson.
Ludmila was born around 860 and married at an early age to Borivoj I, Duke of Bohemia. They converted to Christianity in 874 probably through the work of Saints Cyril and Methodius (the Apostles of the Slavs). The grandmotherly saint is credited with imparting Christian teachings to young Wenceslaus who lived with her after his father, the Duke Wrastislaw (Vratislas I) died. Wenceslaus employed the Christian virtues imparted under the direction of his grandmother during his rule of Bohemia where he became a beloved and benevolent leader.
St. Ludmila was killed at the direction of Wenceslaus’ mother, Dragomir, due to her jealousy at the closeness of her son Wenceslaus with her mother-in-law Ludmila (thus St. Ludmila’s patronage for in-laws) – and Dragomir’s desire to rid the land of Christianity which Ludmila and her husband helped establish. Legend has it that Ludmila was strangled with her own veil in her castle at Tetin. She was buried near the castle and numerous miracles took place at her tomb. A light shone above her tomb and the beautiful fragrance around it reminded devotees of her closeness to God and immortality.
St. Ludmila was canonized shortly after her death on September 15th 921. St. Ludmila is venerated as the patroness of Bohemia; and is considered to be a patron of converts, the Czech Republic, duchesses, problems with in-laws, and widows. Her feast day is celebrated on September 16th.
Read more about St. Wenceslaus and the church where St. Ludmila’s image graces the front entrance in a stained-glass window at the following pages on churchwonders.com:
St. Wenceslaus – https://churchwonders.com/mary-saints/saints/saint-wenceslaus/
St. Wenceslaus Church, Wilber, NE – https://churchwonders.com/other-churches/st-wenceslaus-church-wilber-ne-czech-days-this-weekend/
References
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British Library, European Studies Blog – https://blogs.bl.uk/european/2013/09/st-ludmila-patroness-of-bohemia-.html
Catholic Encyclopedia – St. Ludmila – https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09416a.htm
Catholic Magazine – https://catholicmagazine.news/st-ludmila-of-bohemia-an-iron-will-and-a-maternal-heart/