Saint Stephen of Hungary

Stephen, originally named Vajk, was born around 975 at Esztergom, son of Géza, the ruler of the Magyars. He was baptized as a child and married Gisela of Bavaria, a devout princess. After his father's death he defeated rivals and set out to unite his people and establish the Christian faith among them.

Around the year 1000 he was crowned the first King of Hungary, traditionally with a crown sent by Pope Sylvester II. He founded dioceses, including Esztergom, invited monks to build monasteries such as Pannonhalma, ordered churches to be built and gave laws inspired by the Gospel. He was known for his personal charity, distributing alms to the poor in disguise. He wrote counsels for his son Emeric, urging him to be humble and merciful, but Emeric died young in 1031, a great sorrow for the king. Stephen died at Székesfehérvár on August 15, 1038, the feast of the Assumption, having entrusted his kingdom to the Virgin Mary. He was canonized in 1083.

In Hungary, August 20, the day his relics were moved, is a national holiday: his incorrupt right hand, the Holy Right, is carried in procession through Budapest, followed by fireworks over the Danube.

Hungarian-American parishes celebrate him with Mass, folk dancing and traditional food.