Czechs mark St. Wenceslas Day with national pilgrimage

People across the Czech Republic are commemorating St. Wenceslas, the nation’s patron saint. Thousands of pilgrims gathered in Stará Boleslav near Prague, the site of his martyrdom, for the annual St. Wenceslas Pilgrimage.

The outdoor mass on Mariánské Square was celebrated by Apostolic Nuncio Jude Thaddeus Okolo, with Prague Archbishop Jan Graubner preaching. Graubner also blessed the arriving pilgrims before the service. Senior figures from both the Church and the state attended the mass.

The spiritual program continues in the afternoon with a prayer for the nation, led by Cardinal Dominik Duka at the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Alongside the religious ceremonies, visitors can enjoy concerts on Mariánské Square and performances in the Houštka summer cinema, where the day will conclude with a light show at 9 p.m.