Hroznata

In 1193, Hroznata founded the abbey of Teplá for the Premonstratensian canons, bringing monks from the abbey of Strahov in Prague. Desirous of participating in the crusade of Emperor Henry VI in 1197, he traveled to Southern Italy, but the expedition was dissolved in Brindisi. Pope Celestine III then commuted his crusade vow to the obligation of founding a monastery for nuns. With the help of his sister Vojslava, who had become a widow, he thus established the convent of Chotěšov for Premonstratensian sisters in 1202. During a trip to Rome, he received the white habit of the Premonstratensian Order from the hands of Pope Innocent III. Having become a lay brother, he refused the priesthood and humbly dedicated himself to the temporal management and defense of the assets of the abbey of Teplá.

The rigorous management and prosperity of the Abbey of Teplá aroused the jealousy of greedy neighboring lords. In 1217, while inspecting the monastery's lands, Hroznata was captured by brigands and imprisoned at the castle of Alt-Kinsburg (today Starý Hrozňatov). His captors demanded a heavy ransom from the abbey for his release. Animated by heroic charity and absolute detachment, Hroznata formally forbade his abbot from paying any sum of money, refusing to let the goods of the poor and the Church be plundered for his own life. Subjected to severe deprivation and mistreatment, he died of starvation in his cell on July 14, 1217, offering his life as a martyr for justice and the defense of his community.

Immediately after his death, Hroznata's body was redeemed by the religious of Teplá and solemnly buried before the high altar of the abbey church. His reputation for holiness and martyrdom spread rapidly in Bohemia, leading to the writing of a spiritual biography by the middle of the 13th century. His immemorial cult was officially confirmed by Pope Leo XIII on September 16, 1897. Blessed Hroznata is liturgically celebrated on July 14, the anniversary of his birth into Heaven. In September 2004, a process for his canonization was officially opened by the Bishop of Plzeň, testifying to the continued fervor of the faithful towards him.

Hroznata's spiritual legacy remains deeply rooted in the Czech Republic. By the apostolic letter "Exemplo intercessioneque" of January 9, 1997, Pope John Paul II officially proclaimed him the principal patron of the Diocese of Plzeň, which had been established a few years earlier. His original sarcophagus and relics are still venerated in the abbey church of Teplá, which has survived the torments of history. Traditionally invoked as the protector of those unjustly persecuted, he is depicted in Christian art wearing the white habit of the Premonstratensians, holding the palm of martyrdom and chains, with the crown of nobility laid at his feet as a sign of his renunciation of the world.