Saint Ludmila of Bohemia

Ludmila of Bohemia ( 860 – 15 September 921) is a Czech saint and martyr venerated by Catholic and Orthodox Christians. She was born in Mělník as the daughter of the Sorbian prince Slavibor. Saint Ludmila was the grandmother of Saint Wenceslaus, who is widely referred to as Good King Wenceslaus. Saint Ludmila was canonised shortly after her death. As part of the process of canonisation, in 925, Wenceslaus moved her remains to St. George's Basilica, Prague.

Marriage Ludmila was married to Bořivoj I of Bohemia, the first Christian Duke of Bohemia, Their efforts to convert Bohemia to Christianity were initially not well received, Spytihněv was succeeded by his brother Vratislav. When Vratislav died in 921, his son Wenceslas became the next ruler of Bohemia.

Ludmila was canonized shortly after her death. As part of the process of canonization, in 925 Wenceslaus moved her remains to St. George's Basilica, Prague.

Antonín Dvořák composed his oratorio Saint Ludmila between September 1885 and May 1886. The work was commissioned by the publisher Littleton for the Leeds Festival.

Interesting facts A direct descendant of Saint Ludmila is Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Archbishop Emeritus of Vienna.