(969-1038) Given the pagan name Vajk at birth, today’s saint was named Stephen at his baptism around 10 years old. Stephen became the King of Hungary and brother-in-law of the Holy Roman Emperor Saint Henry II. He evangelized his people, built monasteries, and promoted the Church.

King Saint Stephen had one son survive to adulthood, only to have his son die from a hunting accident. His son was a virtuous man who was also canonized as Saint Emeric. The following advice, from a saint father to his saint son, can be an inspiration in our recovery.

“Be patient with everyone, not only with the powerful, but also with the weak…Be strong lest prosperity lift you up too 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” (Saint Stephen of Hungary, admonitions to his son).

Reflection by Brad Farmer