Who is Jan Nepomuk? It is also called John of Nepomuk and John of Nepomuk. This is one of the most revered figures in the Catholic Church, her priest, martyr and saint. He lived in the Czech Republic in the 14th century and, after his death under torture, was drowned in the Vltava River.
Biography Facts
Ian was born somewhere between 1340 and 1350 in a settlement called Pomuk (modern Nepomuk). Today there is the church of St. John of Nepomuk. According to oral sources, it stands exactly where the house used to be, where it was born.
His father’s name was Velfin, from 1355 to 1367 he was a burgomaster in Pomuk. No information has been preserved about the mother. The boy received primary education at the school, which was located at the Church of St. James.
In 1370, John Nepomuk became a notary and served with the Prague archbishop, and in 1380 he was ordained a priest. Having received the rank, he continues his education, studies law. In 1831 he received a bachelor's degree in Prague, and in 1837 a doctorate in Padua. In 1839, Jan became a canon in the Visegrad chapter, his next position was the vicar general of the Prague archbishop.
King's wiles
At that time, King of the Czech Republic Vaclav IV was in conflict with the highest clergy in the country. Defending the priority of secular power, he intervened in the internal affairs of the church, seeing the Prague archbishopric as his main opponent in domestic politics.
Once, in March 1393, the king met in the church of the Virgin Mary with Jan of Jenshtein, the Prague bishop, and his retinue. By order of Wenceslas IV, Archbishop Jan Nepomutsky and four of his comrades were captured and imprisoned.
Martyrdom
Then, Yan’s comrades were released, and he himself was tortured. The torture was so cruel and sophisticated that he soon died, but did not flinch. The body of the martyr was packed in a bag and, under cover of night, was thrown from Charles Bridge into the Vlatva River.
This murder had a great resonance and became the reason for Wenceslas to be thrown off the throne. It should be noted that no one knows the specific reason why the king’s anger was overtaken by Jan Nepomuk. In 1433, it was suggested that, being the confessor of the queen, he refused to disclose the secret of her confession. However, to date, this version is not proven.
Five Stars
There is a legend about Yana Nepomutsky, according to which it was in the place where his body sank into the Vlatva River that a glow appeared in the form of five stars above the water. Since that time, the saint has been depicted with five stars surrounding his head.
The place near which Jan was thrown over the railing is marked in a special way. This is a cross embedded in them, and two copper nails located not far from it. Subsequently, the body of the martyr was removed from the river and buried in Prague, in St. Vitus Cathedral.
Veneration
As a saint and a martyr, Czech Catholics began to venerate John from the 15th century, and he was reckoned among saints in 1729. His memory in the Catholic Church is celebrated on May 16. He is the patron saint of the Czech Republic, Prague, as well as confessors.
Near the town of Zdar nad Sazavou there is a pilgrimage church dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Spain, in 1765, a military 74-gun ship was built, which was named in honor of St. John. In the Battle of Trafalgar, his crew fought heroically against the four ships of the opposing side.
The most famous statue of Jan Nepomutsky was created even before he was officially canonized in 1683. Its sculptor is Jan Brockoff, and it was intended for Prague Charles Bridge. Now the original is in Prague, in the National Museum, and on the bridge is an exact copy.
In the 18th century, many cycles of icons were created with images of scenes from the life of the saint. In Rome, in the Lateran Basilica, is the most famous of them. The saint's icons are depicted with a star wreath located above his head and with a palm branch.
On Charles Bridge
In the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, 30 unusual sculptures are installed on both sides of the Charles Bridge. According to legend, there are three statues that can fulfill wishes. Of course, if they are real. For example, they definitely will not help to get the moon from the sky.
They make the very first wish, stopping at a bronze sculpture on a pedestal depicting Jan Nepomutsky. How to make a wish correctly? To do this, touch the figure of the saint, located on the pedestal of the monument. From many touches she rubbed to shine.
A second wish is made in the middle of Charles Bridge, where the place from which Jan's body was dumped into the water is indicated. On the parapet there is a bronze statue with five stars surrounding the saint's head.
In order to correctly make a second wish, it is necessary to put the fingers of the right hand on the stars. At the same time, you need to touch the legs of the figure with your left. After this, it is required to step on the golden nail with the right foot, it can be distinguished by the characteristic luster on the pavement. For a wish to come true, all three of these conditions must be fulfilled.
Saint's attributes
Among the attributes with which they depict John of Nepomuk are:
- Five golden or shining stars that resemble the five wounds of Christ.
- Language as a symbol of silence, confidentiality.
- The bridge over the body.
- A palm tree, often gilded, as a sign of martyrs or saints.
- Silence - a finger on the lips, a key, a bunch of keys, a lock, a fish.
- The cross, usually with the body of Christ, symbolizes the Christian faith.
- Water - as a memory of drowning, in the form of waves, fish, shells, dishes with water flowing from it.
- The book upon which the saint steps, as a support for the Holy Scriptures.
- The petitioner, the poor man - an indication of Jan's generosity.
- Alba - a long shirt of white color, symbolizing the purity of Jan Nepomuk.