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Also known as: Stephen
the Great
Profile
Born pagan but baptized with his father at age 10. King of the Magyars in
Hungary. Married Saint Gisela, sister of emperor Saint Henry II.
Evangelized both their peoples. Saint Astricus served as his advisor.
Stephen united the Magyars into a single nation, suppressing revolts led
by pagan nobles. Crowned king on Christmas Day 1001 by Emperor Otto III by
authority of Pope Sylvester II. Organized dioceses, and founded
monasteries. Father of Saint Emeric; brought Saint Gerard Sagredo to tutor
his son.
Born: 969 at Esztergom, Hungary
Died: 15 August 1038
Canonized: 1083
Patronage: bricklayers, death of children, Hungary, kings, masons,
stone masons, stonecutters
Readings
My beloved son, delight of my heart, hope of your posterity, I pray, I
command, that at every time and in everything, strengthened by your
devotion to me, you may show favor not only to relations and kin, or to
the most eminent, be they leaders or rich men or neighbors or
fellow-countrymen, but also to foreigners and to all who come to you. By
fulfilling your duty in this way you will reach the highest state of
happiness. Be merciful to all who are suffering violence, keeping always
in your heart the example of the Lord who said, "I desire mercy and not
sacrifice." Be patient with everyone, not only with the powerful, but also
with the weak.
Finally be strong lest prosperity lift you up to much or adversity cast
you down. Be humble in this life, that God may raise you up in the next.
Be truly moderate and do not punish or condemn anyone immoderately. Be
gentle so that you may never oppose justice. Be honorable so that you may
never voluntarily bring disgrace upon anyone. Be chaste so that you may
avoid all the foulness of lust like the pangs of death.
All these virtues I have noted above make up the royal crown, and without
them no one is fit to rule here on earth or attain to the heavenly
kingdom.
from Saint Stephen's advice to his son
source:
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saints11.htm
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