Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Have courage to prefer holiness to worldly power, Pope tells Czechs

Prague, Czech Republic, Sep 28, 2009 / 11:10 am (CNA).- On Monday morning, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated the national feast day of St. Wenceslas, the patron of the Czech Republic.

Contrasting the example of “good King Wenceslas” with the sad history of the the last century, the Pope said that holiness is the only solution to mankind's longing for fulfillment and happiness.

September 28 is the day on which Czechs travel from all parts of the country to the church of St. Wenceslas at Stara Boleslav to celebrate the life and martyrdom of their nation's patron saint.

Wenceslas was born around the year 907 and ascended the throne in 925. According to tradition he was a highly cultured and religious king, a man of justice and a benefactor to the poor. He was killed for political reasons by his brother Boleslav in 935 and in 938 his remains were translated to Prague cathedral. Ever since the tenth century he has been venerated as a saint.

Pope Benedict arrived at the church on Monday morning and was greeted by the religious and civil authorities.

The Pontiff first paused in adoration before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and then descended into the crypt of the Mausoleum of the Czech Nation where the relics of the saint are exposed.
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See also from Asia News, "Pope says those who deny God seem to have an easy life, but are sad and unsatisfied."

See also from YouTube-Vatican's Channel:

Benedict XVI: The world needs believers with credibility
September 28, 2009

posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 5:58 PM