St Stephen was born between 970-975 and was the fourth Magyar Duke to rule in Hungary. He was baptised a Catholic together his father in 985. When he was 20 years of age, he married Gisela of Bavaria who was the sister of St Henry, who would become a future the Holy Roman Emperor. On Christmas day 1001 he was consecrated the first King of Hungary with the blessing of Pope Sylvester II who gave him a crown and a golden processional cross and some religious privileges.
In Hungary he established politically and spiritually a Christian state, replacing paganism with Christianity. He was a just and courageous ruler who had a special love for the needy and poor which he would often give alms to personally. He created a system to build churches and support the clergy by having towns pay tithes and this also gave relief to the poor. His only child Emeric, who survived adulthood unfortunately died in a hunting accident in 1031. This caused in- fighting among his nephews to succeed him and one of his nephews attempted to assassinate him.
St Stephen died on the Solemnity of the Assumption into heaven, the 15th of August 1038. His final words were addressed to the church and political leaders to protect, uphold and spread the Catholic faith that meant so much to him. Before he died his final prayer was to the Blessed Virgin Mary and here is what he prayed “To thee, O Queen of heaven, and to thy guardianship, I commend the holy Church, all the bishops and the clergy, the whole kingdom, its rulers and inhabitants, but before all, I commend my soul to thy care.” St. Stephen of Hungary was buried alongside his son St Emeric, and the two were canonized together in 1083.
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