Lives of Saints and Blesseds


July 14
Bl. Hroznata, Martyr, * c. 1170, † July 14, 1217

TBorn around 1170, the Bohemian nobleman Hroznata, after the early death of his father, was brought up by his sister Wojslawa who lived in Cracow. Once again in Bohemia the gifted young man married, but shortly thereafter he lost his wife and his son. In place of the promised participation in a crusade to the Holy Land he founded in the year 1193 the Premonstratensian Abbey of Teplá and around 1202 the sisters’ convent of Chotešov. Later he himself became a member of Teplá. Tradition tells us that he was vested in the white Premonstratensian habit in Rome by Pope Innocent III. Because of his vast experience in financial questions, Abbot John appointed him his representative and administrator of the property. With full power Hroznata set about caring for the affairs of the abbey. Because of this he was taken prisoner by the enemies of the abbey and incarcerated in Hohenberg on Fichtel-Mountain (or Alt-Kinsberg near Eger) and held for ransom. In prison where he was tortured, the well-known founder of the monastery and zealous Premonstratensian, the faithful administrator and uncompromising defender of his abbey died of starvation on July 14, 1217.

Relics: Teplá
Approbation of cult: September 16, 1897 by Leo XIII.
Representation: as a Premonstratensian with a model of a church, at an appearance of Mary, with iron chains and shackles, in prison, a crown on his head or at his feet, in death throes, with palm of victory.

For information to the current canonization process Causae of the Order.

Lord God, who called Your holy martyr Hroznata to be a follower of Christ crucified, make us able, we beseech You, to deny ourselves and so to enter into the glory of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.