Codice prodotto: L10339
Memorial Day: April 23
When did Saint Adalbert live: 10th century AD (c. 956 - 997)
BIOGRAPHY:
Adalbert was born around 956 as the son of the Bohemian Prince Slavnik in Libice nad Cidlinou. He received his education in Magdeburg, where he took the name of his mentor, Archbishop Adalbert of Magdeburg, at his confirmation.
In 983, he was consecrated as the second Bishop of Prague. His ministry was characterized by deep earnestness and a struggle against pagan customs and the slave trade, which, however, brought him into conflict with the Bohemian nobility. Disappointed by political resistance, he retired several times as a Benedictine monk to the monastery of Santi Bonifacio e Alessio in Rome.
His status as a saint is based on his uncompromising advocacy for church reform and his sacrificial death for the faith. On April 23, 997, Adalbert suffered martyrdom when he was beaten with a club and pierced with spears by pagan Prussians near the Vistula Lagoon. His body was later transferred to Gniezno, making him a central saint for the identity of Eastern Europe.
PATRONAGE:
St. Adalbert is the patron saint of Bohemia, Poland, and Prussia, as well as the Archdioceses of Prague and Gniezno and the Diocese of Gdansk.
SYMBOLISM, DEPICTION:
The symbols of Saint Adalbert are a book, representing his theological teachings and his faithfulness to Holy Scripture, and the club, which serves as the instrument of his martyrdom. The crozier and mitre identify him as the rightful shepherd and Bishop of Prague. A small figure is visible beneath his feet, symbolizing the victory of Christianity over paganism or his persecutors.
NAMESAKE OF:
Adalbert, Albert, Albrecht, Wojciech, Vojtech, Béla, Adalberto, Alberto, Albertus, Ethelbert, Bert, Al, Berto, Berta, Albie, Aubert, Edelbert, Adalbrecht, Ulbert, Brecht, Wojtek, Elbert.