St. Adalbert

Known as the Apostle of Prussia, St. Adalbert was born into a noble family in Bohemia. He was named the bishop of Prague in 982 where his efforts to reform the clergy earned him many enemies. He was released from his episcopal duties and retired to a Benedictine monastery in Rome. However, Duke Boleslav I of Prague and the citizens of Prague petitioned the pope for Adalbert’s return to the city, and he once again took up his role as bishop. The peace did not last long, however, as Adalbert became involved in a serious matter concerning the right of sanctuary. A noblewoman accused of adultery reached sanctuary in a church. The nobles of Prague dragged the woman out of the church and slew her, receiving excommunication from Adalbert as a result.  He had to leave Prague a second time because of his stern rebuke to his people. After a period of monastic retreat and political unrest in Prague, Adalbert went to Pomerania and Hungary. In time he went to what is now modern Prussia. There he was killed by pagan priests, along with his companions, Benedict and Gaudentius. His body was buried in Gniezno Cathedral, but was later transferred to St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague. St. Adalbert is venerated in Prague, Bohemia, Silesia, Poland, Hungary Germany and Italy. His feast is kept on April 23.