LUDMILLA (LIDMILA), saint, martyr. - Patroness of Bohemia, born at Pšovka near Mělník in 860, died at Tetín on 15 Sept. 921. Wife of the first Christian duke of Bohemia, Bořivý; she was baptized by St. Methodius at Velehrad in 871.
After the abdication of the throne of Bohemia in favour of her son Spitlhněv, St. L. withdrew to Tetín, where she exercised great influence over her grandson Venceslao, son of Vratislav and Drahomira. She was especially concerned with his spiritual life, teaching him Christian doctrine and instilling in him a great love for the Blessed Sacrament. In 916, when Venceslao ascended the throne of Bohemia, she became his counsellor. Drahomira, then, prompted by the pagan party, decided to eliminate L., hoping to extinguish not only Venceslao’s counsellor but also Christianity in Bohemia. She therefore had her strangled at Tetín on 15 Sept. 921. The body of L. was transferred to the church of S. Giorgio in Praga in 1110. Feast: 16 Sept.