Ludmila of Bohemia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintLudmila |
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Saint Ludmila, St. Ludmila's Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
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| Martyr | |
| Born | c. 860 Mělník |
| Died | 15 September 921 Tetín castle (cs), Tetín, Bohemia |
| Venerated in | Eastern Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church |
| Canonized | shortly after her death |
| Major shrine | Chapel of St. Ludmila |
| Feast | 16 September |
| Attributes | veil |
| Patronage | Bohemia |
Saint Ludmila of Bohemia (born around 860 – died September 15, 921) was a Czech saint and martyr. She is honored by both the Orthodox and Roman Catholic faiths. Ludmila was born in Mělník, the daughter of a Sorbian prince named Slavibor.
She is perhaps best known as the grandmother of Saint Wenceslaus. Wenceslaus is often called "Good King Wenceslaus." Saint Ludmila became a saint very soon after she died. In 925, her grandson Wenceslaus moved her remains to St. George's Basilica, Prague. This was part of the process to recognize her as a saint.
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Ludmila's Marriage and Faith
Ludmila married Bořivoj I of Bohemia in 873. He was the very first Christian Duke of Bohemia. Ludmila and Bořivoj became Christians thanks to the teachings of Methodius.
At first, people in Bohemia were not happy about their new Christian faith. Some pagans even forced them out of the country for a while. But eventually, Ludmila and Bořivoj returned. They ruled for several years before they decided to retire. They moved to Tetín, a town near Beroun.
Family and Succession
After Bořivoj, their son Spytihněv became the ruler. Then, Spytihněv's brother, Vratislav, took over. When Vratislav died in 921, his son Wenceslas became the next Duke of Bohemia.
Ludmila had a very important role in Wenceslas's life. She was the one who mostly raised her grandson. Because Wenceslas was still young, Ludmila also acted as a regent for him. This meant she helped rule the country until he was old enough.
Ludmila and Drahomíra
Wenceslas's mother, Drahomíra, became very jealous of Ludmila. She did not like how much influence Ludmila had over Wenceslas. Because of this jealousy, Drahomíra arranged for two noblemen, Tunna and Gommon, to murder Ludmila. They killed her in Tetín.
Initially, Ludmila was buried at St. Michael's Church in Tetín.
Becoming a Saint
Ludmila was recognized as a saint very quickly after her death. In 925, her grandson Wenceslas moved her body to St. George's Basilica, Prague. This was an important step in her canonization.
Today, Saint Ludmila is seen as a special protector of Bohemia. She is also considered a patron saint for:
- Bohemia
- People who convert to Christianity
- Duchesses
- Those who have problems with their in-laws
- Widows
Her feast day, which is a special day to remember her, is celebrated every year on September 16.
See also
- St. George's Basilica, Prague
- House of Přemysl
- Bohemia
- Statue of Saint Ludmila, Charles Bridge
