April 22nd - Saint Adalbert of Prague By: Abigail Nettikadan

Saint Adalbert is known with great honor in the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Germany. His christian life started when, as a young boy, he became very ill. His parents prayed that if he survived his illness, they would offer him as a priest to the Lord. At the time, his name was Wojtech. Fortunately, he survived and was sent to be mentored by Archbishop Adalbert. His mentor changed Wojtech’s name to his own. After his mentor’s death, Adalbert (Wojtech’s new name) returned to his native land of Bohemia, where he became a priest.  He gave money to the poor, fasted, and was always in prayer. Eventually, he tried to unsuccessfully shield a woman who was guilty of adultery from murder. Afterwards he was rejected multiple times by the people. He was made the 1st bishop of Prague. After being rejected, he went to Hungary, Poland, and Germany. But, he didn't follow their ways of worship and was suspected of being a Polish spy. In the end, a Pagan priest captured and martyred Adalbert. In 999, he became canonized as “St. Adalbert of Prague”. His Liturgical Feast Day is April 23. 
 
INTERCESSORY PRAYER 
O God, who bestowed the crown of martyrdom on the Bishop Saint Adalbert, as he burned with zeal for souls, grant, we pray, by his prayers, that the obedience of the flock may never fail the shepherds, nor the care of the shepherds be ever lacking to the flock. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.