Homily: August 16 2016 - St. Stephen of Hungary, first of his name

There are a number of saints who were kings: St. Edward, Good King St. Wenceslas, St. Hedwig, and a number of saintly queens: St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Clotilde, St. Margaret of Scotland. Even some saintly royal couples like St. Henry and St. Cunigunde.

Though Americans today still take some fascination in the weddings of the royals of England, for many, the idea of royalty and monarchy is somewhat suspicious. Though there are many many problems with our government, such corruption and godlessness, it’s hard for us to imagine anything else. Benevolent and wise monarchs seem like something more out of a fairy tale than a reasonable form of government, though Thomas Aquinas did believe it to be the highest form of government possible on earth, modeled after heaven which is ruled by a king, the King of Kings.

Around the year 1000, the disparate and often warring tribes of Celts, Romans, Huns, and Slavs were formed united into a Christian Kingdom under St. Stephen, the first of his name, and first King of Hungary. Most of his people were still pagan, as was his own father, the family only having converted to Catholicism when Stephen was 10 years old.

As his people were given to violence and revolt, Stephen guided his people toward peace and order by admitting Christian missionaries from Bavaria into his country.  The attempt to convert his people was met with hostility. His people wanted to hang on to their old religion and old pagan ways.  But Stephen fasted and prayed, he established monasteries and built churches.  He also made blasphemy and adultery crimes. 

Through his strict, yet benevolent rule, King Stephen brought about order and peace. He was a true evangelizer of his country.  He consecrated the nation to Mary, whom he called “the Great Lady”. He, himself gave religious instruction to the poor, and in view of his many good works and spread of the faith, the pope bestowed on him the title “Apostolic King.” 

A Hungarian parish here in the diocese of Cleveland, is named after St. Stephen’s son, St. Emeric.  Cleveland, in fact, is a hub in the united states for immigration from Hungary.  Cleveland was known as “Little Budapest” for many years, having the second largest Hungarian community outside of Budapest itself.

Listen to these powerful words, St. Stephen wrote to his son, St. Emeric: “I urge you above all things to maintain the catholic and apostolic faith with such diligence and care that you may be an example for all those placed under you by God.”

St. Stephen built his house on the solid rock of the Gospel.  He was not spared hardship or suffering, his evangelical efforts were met with resistance, but he entrusted his work to Our Lady, sought to conform himself with Christ, and fasted and prayed for the spread of God’s kingdom. 

By St. Stephen’s example and prayers, may all we all we can today, using whatever influence, gifts and talents God has granted us, for the spread of His Kingdom, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.