Episode 1631: St Ernest

Saint Ernest (also known as Saint Ernest of Swabia, Saint Ernest the Margrave, or Saint Ernest of Austria) was a 10th-century German nobleman who is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.
Ernest was born in the early 10th century into a wealthy and powerful family in Swabia, a region of southern Germany. He was a devout Christian and was known for his generosity and compassion for the poor and needy. In 970, Ernest was appointed margrave of Austria, a position that gave him considerable control over the region.
As margrave, Ernest worked to promote peace and prosperity in Austria. He also founded several monasteries and churches, and he was a generous patron of the arts. Ernest was also a skilled warrior and defender of the faith. He led several successful military campaigns against the Magyars, a nomadic people who were a threat to the region.
One of the most important factors in Ernest's success was his ability to unite the people of Austria against the common enemy. He did this by appealing to their patriotism and their religious faith. Ernest also made a concerted effort to improve the military capabilities of Austria. He trained and equipped his soldiers to a high standard, and he developed new strategies and tactics for fighting the Magyars.

Ernest also had the advantage of fighting on his own territory. He knew the land well and was able to use it to his advantage. For example, he would often ambush the Magyars in narrow mountain passes or forests. Ernest was also able to rely on the support of the local population, who provided him with food, shelter, and intelligence.

In addition to his military skills, Ernest was also a devout Christian. He believed that he was fighting a holy war against the Magyars, and he inspired his soldiers with his religious fervor. Ernest would often lead his soldiers in prayer before battle, and he would carry a cross into battle with him.

One of Ernest's most famous victories against the Magyars came at the Battle of Lechfeld in 955. In this battle, Ernest and his allies defeated a much larger Magyar army. The victory at Lechfeld was a turning point in the war against the Magyars, and it helped to secure the safety of Austria and the rest of Europe.

Ernest's military campaigns against the Magyars were not without cost. He suffered several defeats, and he was wounded in battle on several occasions. However, Ernest never gave up, and he eventually succeeded in driving the Magyars out of Austria.

Ernest's victory over the Magyars was a major achievement in the history of Europe. It helped to secure the safety of the region and to pave the way for the spread of Christianity. Ernest is remembered as a great military leader and as a saint who fought for the faith.
Ernest died in 1015 at the age of 65. He was buried in the monastery of Melk, which he had founded. Ernest was canonized in 1051 by Pope Leo IX.
Ernest is the patron saint of Austria and of the military. He is also invoked for protection against storms and floods.
Here are some of the miracles that are attributed to Saint Ernest:
• Once, while Ernest was traveling through the Alps, he was caught in a severe snowstorm. He prayed to God for help, and the snowstorm suddenly stopped.
• On another occasion, Ernest was crossing a river when his boat capsized. He called out to God for help, and he was miraculously saved from drowning.
• Ernest is also said to have raised several people from the dead.
Saint Ernest is a model of Christian faith, charity, and courage. He is an inspiration to all of us to live our lives in service to God and others