Stephen of Hungary (970–1038)

Biography

And he is its first King. Crowned in the year one thousand, with his apostolic action, made of persuasion and love, and not violence, he attracted his still pagan people to Christianity. And he deserves the Pontifical title of "Apostolic King." He chooses the Blessed Virgin as Patron of his kingdom; From Italy and Germany he called several priests and appointed them as missionaries and teachers of the people. With great prudence he founded convents, councils and schools, well distributed throughout the country. In the convents he hosted the numerous countrymen, who, zealous for the new creed, came on pilgrimage to the sanctuaries of Christianity. For his son he had written: "The practice of prayer is the guarantee of the health of the kingdom. Never forget to repeat: 'Send, Lord, your wisdom to live with me, and work with me, and know at all times what is pleasing in Your sight.' that which does not end". On September 8, 1031, he was going to crown his son, Emeric, but he died six days before his coronation. His death was the hardest blow for the holy King Stephen, now aged. On the feast of the Assumption, August 15, 1038, he died a holy death.