King Saint Stephen offered the crown of Hungary to the Virgin Mary

There are several altar paintings depicting King Saint Stephen of Hungary offering the crown of Hungary to the Virgin Mary in different churches all over Hungary and in the neighboring countries (for until 1920 they belonged to the Kingdom of Hungary). Since the eleventh century the Virgin Mary has been honored as Patrona Hungariae (Patroness of Hungary). Hungarian Catholics are deeply convinced that their country has been able to survive the last thousand years thanks to the loving care of their Patroness.

The first king of Hungary, Saint Stephen (b. 975), was baptized by bishop Saint Adalbert of Prague in 985. He established the Kingdom of Hungary, creating a western-style, well-organized country and was able to defend her independence.

Greatly devoted to the Virgin Mary, Stephen had several churches built in her honor. However, suffering came to the king when only one of his children survived to adulthood. Emerick, Stephen's only living son received a strong Catholic upbringing and was expected to succeed his father. But sadly Emerick died before Stephen, after a hunting accident in 1031.

The king's final years were marked by illness as well as a succession dispute among his relatives. In 1038, on the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Stephen delivered his final words to leaders of the Church and state, telling them to protect and spread the Catholic faith. King Stephan addressed one of his final prayers to Our Lady: “To thee, O Queen of heaven, and to thy guardianship, I commend the holy Church, all the bishops and the clergy, the whole kingdom, its rulers and inhabitants; but before all, I commend my soul to thy care.”

Saint Stephen of Hungary died on Aug. 15, 1038. He was buried alongside his son Saint Emerick, and the two were canonized together in 1083.

Contribution from László Surján, a Hungarian reader of A Moment with Mary, August 2019