Adalbert of Prague
Adalbert of Prague (c. 956 – 23 April 997), known in Czechia, Poland, and Slovakia by his birth name Wojciech or Vojtěch, was a Czech missionary, Bishop of Prague, martyr, and Christian saint. He adopted the name Adalbert after Adalbert, bishop of Magdeburg.
Although still young, Adalbert was made bishop of Prague in 982. Political conflict and opposition led him to withdraw to Rome in 990, but Pope John XV subsequently sent him back to his diocese, where he founded the abbey of Brevnor. Continued opposition forced him to return once more to Rome. He later undertook missionary work among the Hungarians, Poles, and Prussians, who was martyred in his efforts to convert the Baltic Prussians to Christianity.
Adalbert's influence remained extensive after his death. He was canonized in 999, and his feast day is celebrated on 23 April. He was later declared the patron saint of the Czech Republic, Poland, and the Duchy of Prussia, and is also patron saint of the Archdiocese of Esztergom in Hungary. Adalbert has traditionally been credited with composing the oldest Czech hymn, Hospodine, pomiluj ny, and Bogurodzica, the oldest known Polish anthem, although his authorship of either work has not been confirmed.
Patron saint of Poland; Czech Republic; Archdiocese of Esztergom; Archdiocese of Prague (primary); students of Polish literature; Kaliningrad Oblast
In the Martyrology
- April 23 Saint Adalbert, bishop of Prague and martyr