Saint Astricus of Esztergom

Biography

Saint Astricus of Esztergom, also known as Astricus of Ungarn, Anastasius XIX, Ascrick, Astericus, Astericus Anastasius, Astrik of Pannonhalma, Astrik-Anastaz, Radla, was born in Bohemia as Radla and lived in the 11th century. He is recognized as a highly esteemed saint in the Catholic Church and is particularly venerated as the first Archbishop of the Hungarian Church and patron saint of Hungary. Astricus began his spiritual journey as a monk in Rome, Italy, where he took the name Astricus. It was during this time in Rome that he formed a close friendship with another prominent saint, Saint Adalbert of Prague. Astricus assisted Saint Adalbert in his missionary work in Bohemia, spreading the Christian faith and helping to establish the foundations of the Church in the region. Due to the persecution of Christians in Bohemia, Astricus was forced to flee to Hungary for his safety. In Hungary, he continued his missionary efforts, working diligently to bring the Gospel to the Magyars, the native people of the region. His dedication and zeal for spreading the faith earned him a reputation as a renowned evangelist. Astricus's influence and spiritual guidance extended to the highest levels of Hungarian society. He became a spiritual teacher to the wife of Duke Geza, who was the mother of Saint Stephen of Hungary. He played a crucial role in the spiritual formation of Saint Stephen, who would later become the first king of Hungary. Astricus was also instrumental in the establishment of the first monastery in Hungary, Saint Martin's monastery in Pannonhalma. This monastery was founded by Duke Geza, and Astricus served as its first abbot, fostering a strong monastic tradition in the country. Upon the death of Duke Geza, Saint Stephen succeeded his father as the Duke of Hungary. Astricus continued his evangelistic work, supporting and advising Stephen in both matters of spirit and state. His spiritual wisdom and guidance were highly valued by Stephen, and Astricus became an essential figure in the early development of the Hungarian Church. Astricus's dedication to his faith and his role in the formation of the Hungarian Church led to him being appointed as the first Archbishop of the Hungarian Church. Although the exact location of his see city is uncertain, it is believed to have been at Kalocsa. As the first archbishop, Astricus played a pivotal role in the organization and spread of Christianity in Hungary. Astricus's impact extended beyond Hungary's borders. He was dispatched as an ambassador to Rome, where he successfully negotiated the recognition of the new Kingdom of Hungary by Pope Sylvester II. As a symbol of this recognition, Pope Sylvester II entrusted Astricus with the transport of a crown to be used for the coronation of Stephen as the King of the Hungarians by Emperor Otto III in 1001. This event solidified the union of the Hungarian state and the Catholic Church. After serving as an advisor and confidant to King Stephen, Astricus outlived him by two years. He spent his final days in prayerful seclusion, seeking a deeper union with God. Saint Astricus of Esztergom died around 1035 of natural causes, leaving a remarkable legacy as a devoted monk, missionary, leader, and spiritual guide in Hungary. Saint Astricus of Esztergom's exemplary life of faith and service to God and the Church led to his eventual canonization as a saint, although the formal canonization process took place before the establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. He is venerated as a Pre-Congregation saint, and his feast days are celebrated on November 12th and August 14th in some calendars. Saint Astricus of Esztergom is widely revered as the patron saint of Hungary, a nation deeply influenced and shaped by his tireless efforts to spread the Gospel, establish the Church, and provide spiritual guidance to its people. His unwavering faith, selfless dedication, and profound impact on the growth of Christianity in Hungary make him an inspiration and intercessor for Catholics around the world.